Celebrate the holidays and the spirit of giving by joining us on December 27th at the Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center to donate blood to the American Red Cross.
Sign up to donate at our upcoming blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross. To schedule an appointment, log onto redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: merilou) or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors will receive a FREE t-shirt (while supplies last).
Below are some interesting facts, provided by the American Red Cross.1
- 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.
- One donation can save up to three lives.
- Less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets.
- Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteers or donors.
- Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
- Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
- Nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
- The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
- The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
- Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- According to the American Cancer Society, about 1.7 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2017. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
1. “Blood Needs & Blood Supply.” American Red Cross Blood Services, www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html.