Making Change: Giving Blood

Giving blood is a great way to make change! Did you know that only 38% of people in the US are eligible to give? That’s not a very large amount! It’s simple, and easy, and think of how easy it is for you to save a life? Really, who doesn’t want to be a hero? And all you have to do is sit there and have a needle in your arm for 12 minutes! I don’t think there’s an easier way! And you even get a cookie after!

If you’ve never thought about it, or don’t really know all the details take a look at the facts below.

Facts about blood needs
1. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood

2. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day

3. One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood

4. Total blood transfusions in a given year: 14 million (2001)

5. The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints

6. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O

7. The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs

8. Sickle cell disease affects more than 80,000 people in the U.S., 98% of whom are African American. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives

9. More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

10. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood

Facts about eligibility
1. You must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds, and be in good general health to donate (note: eligibility requirements may vary in some states and blood centers)

2. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days

3. A healthy donor may donate platelets as few as 3 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a year

Facts about the blood supply
1. The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations

2. Less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood

3. Blood cannot be manufactured — it can only come from generous donors

4. Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays
Facts about the blood donation process

5. Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded

6. Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments

7. Every blood donor is given a mini-physical, checking the donor's temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hematocrit level (red blood cells count) to ensure it is safe for him or her to give blood

8. The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour

9. The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation

Facts about donors
1. One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people

2. People with O- type blood are universal donors. Their blood can be given to people of all blood types. Only 7% of people in the U.S. have O- blood type

3. Type O- blood is often used in emergencies before the patient's blood type is known, and with newborns who need blood.

For more infomation about giving bloood:

Canada

USA