Blood Donation Facts

BLOOD DONATION FACTS

Everyday there is a crisis in someone’s life, and because blood does not have an indefinite shelf life, supplies must be replenished regularly.  This is why people need to donate every 56 days. 

Even though 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, less than 3% currently donate each year.  It is not enough!  One out of ten people who enter the hospital will need a blood transfusion.  This could be someone in your family a friend, neighbor or someone you don’t even know who could be helped by your generosity.  Everyday, people who have cancer, emergency heart surgery, or even a serious car accident, uses blood or blood products. 

HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE?

WHOLE BLOOD CAN BE DONATED EVERY 8 WEEKS.

RED BLOOD CELLS HAVE A SHELF LIFE OF ONLY 42 DAYS.  THAT IS WHY WE COUNT ON DONORS TO BECOME CONTINUOUS LIFESAVERS!

WHO NEEDS BLOOD?

EVERYONE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO NEED BLOOD AT ANY GIVEN POINT IN TIME.  STATISTICS SAY THAT YOU WILL PROBABLY USE BLOOD SOMETIME IN YOUR LIFE. 

• One cancer patient can use up to 8 units* of blood each week;

• One leukemia patient can use up to 2 units each day while waiting for a bone
          marrow transplant;

• One sickle cell anemia patient can use up to 4 units each treatment;

• One organ transplant can take up to 40 units of blood (a liver transplant can
          use up to 100 units!)

• One heart bypass surgery can use up to 5 units of blood;

• One bleeding ulcer can use up to 30 units of blood;

• One hip replacement can use up to 5 units of blood;
 
• One brain surgery can use up to 10 units of blood;

• One auto accident or gunshot/stab wound victim can use up to 50 units of

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