Help save a life: Donate blood
The American Red Cross says a “concerning” decline in blood donations since last month could put stress on supplies nationwide, and it is worried that the number of donations will continue to dwindle.
Nationwide, the Red Cross collected about 26,000 fewer donations in May than were needed.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.
A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can come from only volunteer donors. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, and an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood annually.
Nicole Roschella, of the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said a drop in donations is common for summertime but detrimental to people in need of donations.
In an effort to increase blood donations, the Red Cross is offering a $10 gift card to anyone who donates blood in June. It also will be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package, according to a news release from the Red Cross.
Many people who think they aren’t eligible to give blood might not be aware that some rules for donating have changed, and because person was deferred in the past does not mean they aren’t eligible today.
Having a chronic illness doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. And some people think having tattoos or piercings makes them ineligible, but that’s not true. You can review eligibility guidelines on the Red Cross website.
To search for a blood drive schedule, visit redcrossblood.org/give.
We know people are busy during summer months and donating blood often is not a primary consideration, but please take time to donate this lifesaving fluid.
You just might save someone’s life.
— JGG
