Did you know that every three seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood donation? Even though nine out of 10 people will need blood products in their lifetime, less than 10 percent of the eligible population opts to donate blood.
The thing is, regular blood donations by healthy people ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it’s needed — for children and adults alike. And there’s a constant need for blood supply because blood can only be stored for a limited time before use.
How Does It Help?
A decision to donate your blood can save a life — or even several lives — if blood is separated into its components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma), which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells, made in bone marrow, contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen to the body. So who might need red blood cells? Well, it could be trauma victims, premature babies, or patients after surgery.
And did you know that people with the O negative blood type are considered “universal donors”? This means their red blood cells can be transfused to patients with any blood type.
Platelets
Platelets, also made in bone marrow, help your blood to clot. Without enough platelets, you’d risk bleeding internally and being unable to stop external cuts from bleeding. So people having heart surgery or those with cancer and bleeding disorders may need platelets.
Plasma
Plasma, the fluid portion of blood, contains proteins and salts and helps to carry blood cells, enzymes, and nutrients throughout the body. Plasma also affects blood pressure. Burn victims and patients with liver disease may need plasma.
Donate Blood Now
Looking for somewhere to donate? Check out this upcoming opportunity.
What:
Blood Bank of Delmarva Blood Drive
Sponsored by the physician assistants at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in conjunction with National Physician Assistant Week
Who:
In order to donate blood, you must:
- weigh at least 110 lbs.
- be in general good health
- be 17 years old and up
- bring an ID with your birthdate
When:
Monday, October 10
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Where:
Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children
Administration & Research Building Auditorium
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
For more information:
Call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 (825-6638), or visit the Blood Bank of Delmarva and use sponsor code AIDH.
Learn More
- Donating Blood (from Nemours’ TeensHealth.org)
- American Red Cross (find other blood drives near you)
