The Shortage of Blood
There is a crisis. It is the shortage of blood. We need more blood donors. There's no substitute for human blood -- vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients, removing waste, healing and fighting infection. A person's blood can, however, be shared with others. Every day, thousands of Americans in need of lifesaving blood, including trauma victims and surgery patients, rely on the efforts of volunteer blood donors. We need a steady flow of blood donors to keep our blood supply stable. Many people are eligible to be donors. The biggest requirement is being healthy.Approximately 4 million Americans receive donated blood each year; a demand of nearly 40,000 units each day. Donating blood is a simple, relatively painless procedure that requires a small time commitment. Understanding the steps involved with donating can make it easier for those who may be considering rolling up their sleeves. In addition to good health, blood donors must weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 18 years of age or be 16 and have parental permission. Those who are currently taking any medications such as aspirin, allergy medication, sleeping pills and Tylenol are still eligible to donate, as are those who have received a hepatitis B vaccine
Currently less than 5% of those eligible to give blood actually do. Some people feel afraid the first time they donate. Because of this, volunteers must wait eight weeks between donation times. blood banks, reported severe shortages at a season when blood supplies are usually adequate. It's recommended that a person first sit down, rest momentarily and consume liquids. The entire process usually lasts about 45 minutes. The difference you make is life itself. If the blood center isn't convenient for you, just call a recruitment department and they'll find a blood mobile that is. You'll find out your fears are exaggerated. Blood is a fragile product and cannot be stored indefinitely in its liquid state. To make sure there is always enough blood for patients, healthy members of the community must donate regularly. The demand for blood and blood products is constantly increasing, and those increasing needs can only be met by an increasing amount of donors. You give one pint of blood when you make a whole blood donation, and your blood volume will be replaced within 24 hours. Most often some people say that they'll only give in an emergency situation.
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