Do you know who receives donated blood? Blood is used for many different patients, including cancer patients, open-heart surgery patients, diabetics, recipients of organ or tissue transplants and trauma victims, just to name a few.

About 70 percent of donated blood goes to patients with ongoing treatments like chemotherapy or patients suffering from blood disorders like sickle cell anemia. Community members can help these patients by becoming regular blood donors. Stop by a blood drive near you to help save lives in July or visit southtexasblood.org for a list of future drives in your area.

There will be a blood drive administered by Blanco EMS at Super S, located at 111 Blanco Ave., on Saturday, July 30 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Anyone 16 years old weighing 120 pounds (with a parental consent form), or at least 17 years old weighing 110 pounds, and in good general health can donate blood. It is recommended to eat iron rich foods before donating and to drink plenty of fluids to keep the body hydrated. Donors must present identification. Visit www.southtexasblood.org for more information.