There is a Nationwide shortage of blood and blood donations. USA Today reported on July 30th that the Red Cross's national blood supply is at its lowest level in 15 years. The Red Cross attributes this shortage to severe weather and slow summer donations. Of the eight blood types, four of them only have a one day supply in stock. If donations do not pick up and the blood supply does not improve then elective surgeries may have to be cancelled. If things get worse, then organ transplants will have to be put on hold. Typically, individuals who need an organ transplant don't have much time to wait, so let's hope it doesn't get to this point.
What can you do to help? If you are eligible to donate you can head over to a Community Blood Center or a Red Cross location and give the gift of life!
Who is eligible to donate blood?
- Individuals who are 17 years of age or older or who are 16 years of age and have a parent's consent.
- Individuals who weigh at least 110 pounds
- Individuals who are in good health.
- A mini physical is performed before you donate to ensure you are in good health.
Facts about donating:
- Your blood donation can save up to three lives.
- You can donate every eight weeks if you give whole blood and every 16 weeks if you give a double donation.
What are the major reasons people need blood?
- Cancer
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
- Emergencies such as car accidents and burns
Examples of how much blood is needed for theses events
- Automobile accident- 50 units of blood
- Burn- 20 units of blood
- Heart surgery- 6 units of blood and 6 units of platelets
- Organ transplant- 40 units of blood, 30 units of platelets, 20 bags of cryoprecipitate, 25 units of fresh frozen plasma.
The above information can be found at the Community Blood Center's Website or the Red Cross's Website. Please check out these sites for additional information on giving the gift of life!
Please, if you can, donate blood today, or in the next few weeks! It is a rewarding experience!
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| See it's not so bad, I'm still smiling! |
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| Adam was an overachiever and was able to donate two pints of blood. |
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| Adam's donation took about 25 minutes because it required the use of a machine to collect a double donation. At this point he is eyeing the Oreo's on the refreshment table. |
Ugh - I should go donate even though I hate needles. Time to tough up
ReplyDeleteYou're already one tough lady, but donating blood will add one more rung to your tough ladder! You don't have to look at the needle when they do that part. I try to donate at least twice a year and I don't think I've ever seen the needle. :)
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