Reasons to Donate Blood Today
Blood is always needed, particularly in the summer months and holiday seasons.
Blood. We tend to take it for granted, until we need it. What you may not realize is that a small-time commitment can change someone's life, maybe even your own.
At Abbott, we believe that donating blood puts the power of saving lives and better health into the hands of people around the world. Here are reasons to donate now:
The Need for Blood Never Takes a Vacation
Each summer, blood donation centers experience low blood supplies. This seasonal decline is due to a number of reasons. Regular donors become busy with summer activities and vacations. With high school and colleges on break, those blood drives don't take place. At the same time, the need for blood remains constant with increased roadway and travel-related accidents, particularly during high travel holiday weekends.
Why is there a constant need for blood? Blood is not just used for emergencies, but also for long-term treatments. The blood used for emergencies and treatments needs to be on the shelf beforehand. Also, certain blood components have a short shelf life. For example, red blood cells last for up to 42 days and platelets last for five days.
So whether you're planning for the summer or a family vacation, consider adding 'donate blood' to your to do list. It only takes a little over an hour to donate blood, less time than it does to watch a movie.
You Can be a Hero (No Superpowers Required)
Blood donors are always needed and you don't need a cape to be a hero. As part of medical treatment, patients may receive a pint of whole blood or just specific components of blood needed to treat their particular condition. As a result, one blood donation can help save up to three lives.
Despite the constant need for donated blood, only a fraction of people eligible to donate blood actually does so.
"It's important to remember that blood isn’t just used for emergencies. It’s used to treat chronic illnesses like cancer and kidney failure," says Alex Carterson, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of transfusion medicine for Abbott. "An adequate, safe blood supple can only be maintained through a stable base of regular, voluntary blood donors. One unit of blood can save three lives and that’s truly amazing. Abbott's tests help screen the world's blood supply, which is why we’re committed to raising awareness about the need for blood donors."
Want to learn more about blood donation? Check out these resources:
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