To Give

What is one thing that you can give to someone that is material in a since, but could save a life?  That doesn't cost more than an hour of your time?

That's right, a pint of blood.  Did you know that 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives!  Or that every two second someone in the U.S. needs blood.  Or that less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood.  The most requested blood type by hospitals is Type O, this blood type is used for emergencies cases before the blood type is known and for newborns.  O-Negative is the universal blood type, meaning that it can be given to people of all blood types.  Only 3% of people in the U.S. are type AB-positive, the most rare blood type, however they are the universal donor of plasma, which is used in emergencies, newborns and patients that are required massive transfusions.  AB blood type can receive from all other types of blood.

What is plasma, whole blood, platelets? 

Whole Blood is just like it sounds, all of it.  It is the red cells, white cells, plasma and platelets.

Plasma? That is the fluid that surrounds the red cells, white cells and platelets.

Platelets? This is the cell fragment in the blood whose main function is to interact with clotting proteins and stop or prevent bleeding.

How did I start giving blood.  Well, I guess I would have to say that my parents did, so that influence me to as well.  My mom has O-negative, so she is quite popular with the Red Cross.  Me on the other hand, I have B-positive, so they like me, but I'm not as popular.  I started giving in high school at the age of 17.  To date I have donated over 35 pints of blood.  How many pints are in a gallon you ask?  8 pints equal a gallon. So if you do the math, I have given almost 5 gallons of blood.  WOW!  That sure sounds like a lot!

This month is Red Cross Month.  So if you are eligible to donate, go to the American Red Cross website and find a blood drive near you and give someone the selfless gift of blood.

"The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood"