The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) notes that many donors stop giving blood during the holidays and cold and flu season. This is unfortunate; while blood donations often slow down during the winter months, the need for donations doesn’t.
Here are 10 reasons you should take time to donate blood, according to AABB and the American Red Cross.
- In the U.S., someone needs a blood donation every two seconds.
- It takes just eight to 10 minutes to donate one unit of blood.
- One unit of blood is enough to help multiple patients. Donated blood is separated into four components, which can all be used for different medical purposes. These include replacing lost blood due to trauma or surgery and helping with blood clotting.
- The need for blood donors is dire. One car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood.
- It makes you feel good. Almost 75% of blood donors surveyed by AABB’s National Blood Foundation said they do it to help others.
- When you donate blood through the American Red Cross, you get a free health assessment. A staff member will check your blood pressure, hemoglobin and pulse.
- The more donors, the more diverse the blood supply. In many cases, patients are matched with donors of the same race to avoid transfusion-related complications. Right now, the need for Black donors is especially high, yet Black people make up less than 3% of blood donors.
- Roughly 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell anemia every year. Many of them will need regular blood transfusions for the rest of their lives.
- Many cancer patients require blood transfusions during chemotherapy.
- If you have Type O blood, you are in high demand. Type O is the most frequently requested blood type in hospitals.
With one simple blood donation, you can help save a life. Visit the American Red Cross website to find a blood drive near you.
