I remember the first time I gave blood. It was in high school, and at the time I was a little selfish because, well, if you gave blood you got to miss class. I was a senior in high school, do you expect anything else from a senior? The first time I did it I got very dizzy, but that was just me. I still continue to give blood, and your body gets used to it.

That was my initial thought, until you get into the details of giving blood and what it does for others. Here are some blood facts from the American Red Cross

  • Every two second, someone in the U.S. needs blood
  • The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour and 15 minutes
  • A single donation can potentially help more than one patient.
  • Most donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection.
  • Only 7 percent of people in the U.S. have type O negative blood. Type O negative donors are universal red cell donors as their blood can be given to people of all blood types.
  • Type O negative blood is needed in emergencies before the patient's blood type is known and with newborns who need blood.
  • About 45 percent of people in the U.S. have type O (positive or negative) blood. This percentage is higher among Hispanics – 57 percent, and among African Americans – 51 percent.
  • Only 3 percent of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood type. AB positive type blood donors are universal donors of plasma, which is often used in emergencies, for newborns and for patients requiring massive transfusions.

As you can see, it is important to give blood to those who need it. Blood that is donated comes off the shelf very fast, and that supply needs to be replenished. Give blood, people depend on it!

If you are interested in giving blood, you can find a blood drive on the Red Cross website.

There is a Blood Drive happening at the Spring Valley Community Center on Monday, June 19th from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m, and you can get more information and sign up for an appointment HERE.

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