National Blood Donor Month

January is set aside for donating your blood which is still an important need in the United States.

You are likely aware that the American Red Cross is one place where you can donate your blood.  Their national blood program has been around since 1940.  They are a trusted organization and supply about 40% of blood needed.

There are other places you can turn to as well if you’d like to donate.  There are regional organizations along with national and independent centers where you can go.

Donating your blood is important because there are always needs.  At times it can be more urgent if supplies get low but blood is crucial for many different reasons.

According to the American Red Cross*:

• Every two seconds someone needs blood or platelets
• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells
• The average red blood cell transfusion is three approximately units 
• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors
• The most common blood type requested from hospitals is Type O

If you choose to donate blood you can estimate that it will take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes in total.  

The actual blood drawing is eight to ten minutes but you need time at the beginning and then time at the end to make sure you are ok to leave.

Private Home Health Care understands how important it is to donate blood.  There is always someone in need and it’s an easy and generous thing to do.

*Information taken from the American Red Cross website (https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/blood-donation-importance.html).