Blood Donations Keep Communities Prepared

Whether to help an accident victim, an organ transplant recipient or a patient with cancer, more than 39,000 blood donations are needed each day in America. Like food in the refrigerator, donated blood is perishable and must be replenished regularly. Since it is almost impossible to predict who will need blood and when, what better way to help a neighbor or family member in need than by donating a pint of blood? Donating blood is a safe process and each blood donation may help save the lives of as many as three people.

Jackie Battle was hurt very badly after being hit by a car the summer before she started middle school. She underwent surgery and received multiple blood transfusions because she was bleeding internally. “Within seconds, I went from being totally functional to being in desperate need for blood.” Subsequently, Jackie never misses an opportunity to donate blood. She says, “To me, it’s not a choice. . . . Many thanks to those who supplied the blood when I needed it!”

September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging all eligible donors to get involved in their communities’ preparedness by donating blood regularly. Now in its fifth year, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of emergencies. It aims to engage people in better preparing their homes, businesses, schools and communities. Ensuring there is always an available, healthy blood supply is an easy way for individuals to get involved.

To give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be generally healthy and feeling well, be 17 years of age or older, and not have donated whole blood in at least 56 days (8 weeks). Pennsylvania allows 16-year-olds to give blood with parental consent.

Remember, there is no substitute for blood – it must come from generous volunteer donors.

Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.givelife.org to schedule an appointment today. The need is constant. The gratification is instant.
Give blood.

For additional information about upcoming Red Cross blood drives, click on “Where to Donate” To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543)