It Takes all Types:
Giving = Living
According to the American Red Cross, about 38% of the U.S population can donate blood, but only 10% actually do. Every few seconds a person in the U.S needs blood; without lifesaving blood transfusions 4.5 million Americans would die every year. The American Red Cross needs 13,000 blood donations every single day to maintain an appropriate blood supply. January is recognized as national donor awareness month. This month was created to bring awareness to the ever-abundant need for blood donors. There are 3 easy ways to participate in National Donor Month!
Donate: Not just in honor of National Blood Donor Month, but in the simple spirit of providing the stuff of life to those who need it most. Donate now. Donate again in eight weeks. Repeat.
Inspire: National Blood Donor Month can inspire people to donate. And those donations can in turn inspire others to donate, creating an exponential increase in blood donations when and where they’re needed the most.
Learn and remember your blood type: What’s your blood type? Some examples: O positive donors are needed more often than other blood types. O negative donors are considered “universal donors.” AB positive donors are “universal recipients.” You can get your blood tested at your local Health department. Call to find out how!
Did you know? – Eligible blood donors can donate blood every 8 weeks.
What is a blood donor?
Blood donation is a safe and simple procedure that involves a donor giving one of the following blood products: Whole blood, red blood cells, plasma, or platelets.
Am I Eligible?
The general guidelines for blood donation include: Being in good general health and feeling well, weight at least 110lbs, not donated in the past 56 days, and a donor must be 17 years old or older (in Illinois a donor can be 16 with parental consent). Some medications and medical conditions can affect your eligibility. Visit the American Red Cross website to see if you are eligible.
What to expect at your donation?
When you first get to your donation site, registration will be first. You will show your ID and will be given some information to read before your donation. Next you will go over health history and have a mini physical. The next step is donation. This process usually takes 8-10 minutes, and 1 pint of blood will be drawn. After donating you can enjoy a snack and drink for 10-15 minutes while you rest and recuperate. After the 15 minutes you can resume your day. After donating your blood is tested and sent to a patient in need!
Are you ready to help save a life?
Visit the American red cross website today to find a blood drive near you.
Redcrossblood.org
Clark County Health Department
997 N. York St.
Martinsville IL, 62442
217-382-4207
