The facts about blood
Found this list of 50 quick facts about blood donation on the American Red Cross site, below I’ve included some of my favorites:
“—More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day
—One out of every 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood
—A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. See more facts on blood needs for various medical treatments
—The volume of blood transfused to patients is increasing at the rate of 6% per year (2001)
—The demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations
—Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays
—The #1 reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others”
—Two most common reasons cited by people who don’t give blood are: “Never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles”
—One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people”
Every week I sit with a room full of people who need blood, you cannot believe how many. When I started on this I attempted to keep track of how many units of blood and platelets I was receiving, lost track less than three weeks in. That was more than two months ago—that’s a ton of blood. I know many people who donate and donate often, but I also know supplies run short and more is always needed. Always.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I’v always tried to donate blood but I was always turned away because I was under weight. I’m 5′ 1″ and they told me I needed to weight a minimum of 125 for my height. Just recently I’v gained enough weight to give blood. I didnt realize there was a weight limit.