World Blood Donor Day recognizes the need for a strong and stable blood supply around the world. Through World Blood Donor Day, organizers are working to boost the number of people around the globe who give on a regular basis.
During the summer months, when schedules are busy, regular blood donors often get out of the habit of giving. Yet, the need for blood is constant. With increased activity and outdoor fun, more accidents are possible, meaning the need for blood in an emergency is greater. Blood donations in the summer can also decrease because high school and college students are on break. Approximately 20 percent of the blood supply comes from high school and college students.
The Red Cross encourages community members of all ages to consider giving at blood drives in their communities this summer, and staying connected with blood donors through Facebook and Twitter.
Blood Facts Everyone Should Know
- The Red Cross must collect enough blood donations every day to meet the needs of cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies with complications, sickle cell disease patients and others.
- On average, the American Red Cross must collect about 15,000 pints of blood every day to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
- Donated blood products are perishable. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets just five days, so they must constantly be replenished. There is no substitute for donated blood.
- Steady and consistent blood donations are key to a strong blood supply.
- The American Red Cross collects about 40 percent of the blood needed each year in the United States.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
- All blood types are needed, but type O is in high demand since it can be transfused to patients with other blood types such as A, B and A
Platelet Facts
Uhhh…What’s a platelet?
Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels. When you get a cut, for example, the platelets bind to the site of the damaged vessel, causing a blood clot and stopping us from bleeding.
- Platelets are vital to life because they help prevent massive blood loss by helping blood to clot.
- Platelet donors can donate up to 24 times in a 12- month period.
- Platelets have a shelf-life of 5 days. Because they are sticky cells, platelets need to be in constant motion after they are donated or they will clump and cannot be transfused.
- Platelets are frequently prescribed to help patients undergoing treatment for cancer, leukemia and other serious diseases, as well as for babies in neonatal intensive care and burn victims.
Who Can Give?
- Individuals who are at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission in some states), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height), and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
- Donors may give whole blood up to six times per year or every 56 days, double red cell donation procedure every 112 days or up to three times per year, and platelets up to 24 times in a 12- month period.
June 10 at The Aurora Inn
Please come donate blood Tuesday, June 10th at The Aurora Inn, 11 am – 7 pm.
WE NEED YOU!
All donors will receive a Red Cross tote bag and be entered for fabulous raffle prizes!
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the website and use Sponsor Code: Aurora to make your appointment today!
You never know…but chances are you or a loved one will need blood one day! Give – and it shall be given to you.
Thank you!!