As we ring in the New Year, the Red Cross is putting out the call asking people to roll up their sleeves and give blood, and there’s no better time to donate than during January, which is National Blood Donor Month!
Why Is Donating Blood So Important?
The need for blood donors is great, especially during the winter months. Here are some fast facts from the American Red Cross about the need for blood a:
- Every 2 seconds, someone in the United States needs blood.
- Approximately 41,000 blood donations are needed each day.
- A single blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people!
- Type O is the blood type most often requested by hospitals.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.
- More than 1.6 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2015. Many of these individuals will need blood donations during their chemotherapy treatments (some may need blood donations daily).
- 7 million blood donations are collected in the United States each year
- There are 9.2 million blood donors in the United States in a given year
- Even though an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, less than 10% actually do each year.
- Type O negative blood (red cells) can be received by patients of all blood types. Because of this, it is often in great demand and short supply. In addition, only 9% of the population in the United States has Type O negative blood.
Thinking about donating blood?
Are you thinking about donating blood? Whether you’re a regular donor or a first time donor, it’s important to know not only what to expect, but how your donation can help others. Here are some interesting facts about donating blood from the American Red Cross a:
Donating blood is a simple, safe process, and the actual donation takes around 10-12 minutes. The entire process (start to finish) can take about 60 to 75 minutes to complete.
- An average adult has 10 pints of blood. One pint of blood is given during a donation.
- A healthy blood donor can donate red blood cells every 56 days or double red cells every 112 days. In addition, a healthy donor may also donate platelets as few as 7 days apart, but no more than 24 times per year.
- All blood donations are screened to ensure safety. Donations are tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other infectious diseases. Blood donations are tested/screened before they are released to hospitals for use.
- Many people say they donate blood because they “want to help others.”
About the American Red Cross
Today, the American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross blood program was started in 1940 by Dr. Charles Drew. The American Red Cross relies solely on donations from volunteers, and these donations provide blood for patients in approximately 2600 hospitals across the United States. The vast majority of donations received by the American Red Cross (80%) are received at mobile blood drives that are usually set up by community organizations, schools, places of worship, or companies (just to name a few)a.
How Will You Help?
Are you ready to make a difference and help positively contribute towards this cause? You can give back in a number of ways during National Blood Donor month. Obviously, you may choose to donate blood yourself, but perhaps you can look at the possibility of setting up a blood drive event, or even volunteering. Regardless, the need for blood is great, and January is a time where we can bring added education and awareness towards this cause and the good work that the American Red Cross does on a daily basis!
About Training Direct
For over 25 years, Training Direct has been committed to offering the men and women of Connecticut quality vocational training to prepare them for new careers in healthcare. Since its founding in 1990, Training Direct has been committed to its mission of offering quality hands-on training and education designed to lead towards entry-level employment opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career in the Medical field. Over the years, Training Direct has helped train thousands of successful graduates who have gone on to enjoy careers as Certified Nurse Aides, Medical Billing and Coding Specialists, and Phlebotomy Technicians.
Training Direct operates two campuses in Connecticut:
While specific training programs will vary by campus, Training Direct offers the following:
- Nurse Aide
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
- Patient Care Technician
- EKG Technician
- Electronic Medical Records
- AHA Classes
Training Direct is a Division of Dorsey Schools.
About Dorsey Schools
Dorsey Schools are postsecondary institutions that provide short term comprehensive training to prepare students for promising career opportunities in various fields. Dorsey offers cosmetology training, culinary arts training, skilled trades training, and medical training programs for various allied health fields.
Today Dorsey is proudly represented by thousands of successful graduates working in their chosen careers throughout Michigan, because employers know they can feel confident hiring a Dorsey graduate.
If you’d like to learn more about Dorsey Schools, you may visit us online at www.dorsey.edu. For more information about Dorsey Schools’ graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed our programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.dorsey.edu/disclosures.
Resource:
a http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics
