Blood donation is the gift of life. Three lives, actually.
Did you know: Four types of transfusable products can be derived from one pint of blood, red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Usually two or three of these are produced from a pint of blood, so one donation can save up to three lives.
January is Blood Donor Awareness Month. If you are interested in donating blood, there are many options available, such as the American Red Cross and San Diego Blood Bank.
What do you need to know before you roll up your sleeve?
You’re Needed. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires donated blood, including cancer patients, people facing an emergency and people contending with sickle cell disease. A single car accident victim can require as much as 100 pints of blood.
Type O-Negative is Everyone’s Type: While all blood donations are needed and appreciated, Type O-negative is the “universal donor,” meaning Type O-negative red blood cells can be transfused to people of all blood types. Type O-negative is always in great demand, and always in short supply.
You Can Donate Every 56 Days: Eligible, healthy adults can donate blood every 56 days. It is such an easy, painless way to save lives. Blood can’t be made in a lab. The only way to give the gift of life, is to roll up your sleeves.
