WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY: 11/06/19

Wednesday, November 06, 2019

According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; it can only come from volunteer owners.

The American Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components. Supply can’t always meet the demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Below please find some blood supply statistics listed by the American Red Cross:

  1.  Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
  2. 13.6 million whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
  3. About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood.
  4. Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
  5. Type AB positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 3% of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

If you would like to donate blood, please visit your local American Red Cross or go to their website to make an appointment (redcrossblood.org). This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.