The Gift of Giving Blood

You might ask yourself, “why should I give blood?” and “How could a pint of my blood help?”

Did you know that:
· Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed daily in the U.S.
· Nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S., and nearly 21 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
· The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately three units. (nearly 3 pints)
· The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
· Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year.
· A single-car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should give blood. However, you may wonder, if I donate blood, are there any benefits for me?

Here are some of the benefits you can gain from your humanitarian efforts.
1. To donate your blood, you must be in good health. So, you get a free wellness checkup. At the blood donation center, they will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count, and cholesterol screening. These wellness checkups have saved the lives of some donors by catching abnormalities early on.

2. Giving blood can reduce your risk of heart disease
Donating regularly, up to six times a year, can help your blood flow and keep your iron levels in check. Some studies have shown that men who donate at least three times a year can drastically reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke.

3. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
High levels of iron have been linked to some kinds of cancer. So theoretically, donating blood can reduce cancer risk by depleting your iron levels, so the body doesn’t get too high in iron.

Source: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.htm
unfilled heart

by Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout