Give Blood, Save a Life

We were all in high school once. And we all saw the signs for "blood drives", "free cookies" and those stickers you could proudly wear all day letting everyone know that you donated blood? Well did you know that by participating in those blood drives, you potentially saved a life? In the United States, every 2 seconds someones need a blood transfusion. And, your onetime donation can save up to 3 lives all at once. 

Blood donations are used for all sorts of situations. It's not just an emergency situation, but people with blood disorders and diseases also need frequent transfusions just to live a normal life. Individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia could need transfusions every 4 weeks in certain circumstances. Not only that, but red blood cells must be used within about 40 days. 

It's important that we all try to donate blood, especially if we are able-bodied and capable. Less than 40% of the American population actually qualifies to donate blood. Type O is the type of blood that is in the highest demand due to it being a universal blood type. It also has the lowest risk of causing serious reactions for most people who receive it. 

For more information about blood donation:
Red Cross
Donating Blood, What you need to know
Benefits of Donating Blood