The recent shocking shooting at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas is one of the biggest reasons for giving the gift of life for survivors. During stressful times, many people want to help and do not know where to go.

Donating blood is critical for our community blood supply. Disasters like mass casualties from a shooting spree can tax the supply of local hospital blood banks and volunteers thankfully come forward to help.

Surprisingly, your nearest hospital does not collect blood from donors. This is done at a regional blood center such as Central Texas Blood and Tissue center located in Austin, TX. Website: http://www.bloodandtissue.org/

Blood can be donated at any time during normal business hours. During a disaster or an urgent request for blood, the blood centers will often send out their mobile blood collection units to aid in re-stocking the depleted blood supply. However, regularly donating blood will be of utmost importance for the well being of the donor and the community blood supply.

Regularly donating blood has many benefits. It will stimulate your bone marrow to produce fresh blood cells which in turn, makes you feel more energetic. Runners often donate blood to keep fresh, healthy cells in their blood stream!

To learn more about the health and community benefits of blood donation, please look up your local blood donation center, either online, or in the Yellow pages, and visit them today!