All veterans and community members are encouraged to give the gift of life at a “Roll up Your Sleeve” blood drive. The Harlingen VA Outpatient Clinic will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The clinic is located at 2106 Treasure Hills Blvd.

ID is required. You can schedule an appointment at donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa. Walk-in donations are also accepted.

Blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished. According to the American Red Cross, one in seven patients entering a hospital needs a blood transfusion.

In partnership with Vitalant Blood Center, VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is hosting a series of blood drives. This is part of a nationwide effort by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to address the on-going need for blood.

“We are a proud member of the Rio Grande Valley community and are doing our part to meet the constant need for blood and blood products.” said Public Affairs Officer Hugo Martinez. “We ask Veterans, family members, and all members of the community make the time to donate blood.”

For more information or to register, visit https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa. For future events, check https://www.va.gov/texas-valley-health-care/events.