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Red Cross Encourages Donations |
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Written by Jenny Popis
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American Red Cross Encourages Blood Donations During National Blood Donor Month
Every year since 1970, blood collection organizations across the United States have recognized January as National Blood Donor Month. To help ensure an adequate blood supply, the American Red Cross has joined with AABB and America’s Blood Centers to stress the importance of donating blood.
January, in particular, can be a difficult month for blood centers to collect blood as inclement weather and the onset of cold and flu season make it difficult for donors to give. The New Year has already started gravely for The American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, losing over 600 pints of blood due to absent donors.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Each day,
patients across the country receive approximately 39,000 units of this
lifesaving resource. This year alone, as many as five million patients
will require blood transfusions, as accident victims, people undergoing
surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and
other diseases.
All blood donations are needed, but the blood type most in demand is
Type O Negative, which can be transfused to patients with other blood
types and is used in most emergency situations. Also in demand are
platelets, often used to help treat victims of cancer. Platelets are
donated through a process called Apheresis.Blood donors must be at
least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general
health. For more information on donating blood or to find a blood drive
near you, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE or visit www.RedCrossDonor.org.
For platelet information, call 1-800-356-3339.
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