Did you know that the national blood supply has dropped to troublingly low levels? This may force some hospitals to delay blood and platelet transfusions for patients who urgently need them. All blood types are needed, especially type O blood to meet just daily hospital demands.
FACTS ABOUT BLOOD**:
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
- Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
- Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
- The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
DONATION TYPES:
Whole Blood Donations
Eligibility requirements:
- Donation frequency: Every 56 days, up to 6 times per year
- Good health and feeling well
- 16 years or older in most states
- Weigh over 110 pounds
Power Red Donation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Donation frequency: Every 112 days, up to 3 times per year
- You must be in good health and feeling well
- Male donors+ must be at least 17 years old in most states, at least 5’1″ tall and weigh at least 130 pounds
- Female donors+ must be at least 19 years old, at least 5’5″ tall and weigh at least 150 pounds
Platelet Donation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Donation frequency: Every 7 days, up to 24 times per
- You must be in good health and feeling well
- You must be at least 17 years old in most states
- You must weigh at least 110 pounds
AB Elite Plasma Donation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Donation frequency: Every 28 days, up to 13 times per year
- You must have type AB blood
- You must be in good health and feeling well
- You must be at least 17 years old
- You must weigh at least 110 pounds
DONATE NOW:
Luckily, the American Red Cross makes it easy for you to donate.
Donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). There is no blood donation waiting period for those who have received a flu shot or a Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or booster, so long as they are symptom-free. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.**
**Americanredcross.org