World Blood Donor Day is June 14th
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Did you know that June 14th is recognized around the world as World Blood Donor Day? This day serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. The Health and Wellness Screenings clinic, along with the entire Campbell County Health, wants to thank the selfless individuals who donate their blood they don’t even know.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Every day, patients in U.S. hospitals, surgical centers, and emergency treatment facilities need approximately:
36,000 units of red blood cells
7,000 units of platelets
10,000 units of plasma
Nearly 40 percent of the United States population is eligible to donate blood, but less than 10 percent actually do, about 6.8 million volunteers. Many people believe that most blood is needed after major disasters, but daily personal emergencies and ongoing medical needs of thousands of patients require a constant and ready blood supply. It’s the blood already on hospital shelves that saves lives.
It’s important we continuously replenish the blood supply, because blood has a shelf life. Red blood cells can be used for up to 42 days and platelets need to be used in five days. Most people who are in good health age 16 and over can donate blood three times a year. It takes about an hour, and all blood types are needed, including the most common blood types.
THANK YOU to the people in Campbell County who have helped replenish our community’s blood supply. If you would like to learn more about donating blood please visit www.vitalant.org.
Article Sources: World Blood Donor Day- WHO