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Posted on 11/20/2019 at 12:00 AM
To Give and be Grateful
‘Tis the season to give. We give thanks, praise, time, money, and attention. It may seem strange, but it seems the more we give, the more we realize there is to be thankful for! No matter who we are, where we’re from, our political affiliation, nationality, race, or lifestyle, we all can impact lives by giving of ourselves to others.
Did you know you have the power to save lives? It’s true, and this post will not only show you how but give you plenty of reasons to do it! You can save lives by donating blood! To convince you to donate blood, we have compiled a few fascinating facts about blood donation acquired from our local LifeServe Blood Center. Enjoy!
Here are 5 Fantastic reasons to Give Blood this holiday season!
1. Donations Have a Broad Reach
According to the LifeServe website, their center is one of the 15 largest centers in the community. They’re the sole provider of blood and blood products to more than 120 hospitals across 3 states.
2. It’s Efficient
Studies show that a single donation can help save 3 lives. Depending on the type of donation you give, it can be even more! For example, “Double Red” donations can be made every 112 days and allows for the red cells to be separated and plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. As a result, two red cells can benefit two recipients!
3. You can Help Balance Supply and Demand
Only about 10% of eligible donors give blood. As a result, there is always a need for donors! With so much demand and roughly 90% of those who could donate blood choosing not to, you can bet your donation will be welcome!
4. There are Many Different Types of Patients in Need of Donations
So many people in need of blood including…
- Cancer patients (the number one recipient of blood donations)
- Trauma patients
- Sickle cell patients
- Burn patients
- Patients with various chronic diseases
- Premature infants
- Surgery patients
- and many more!
At the time of this posting, LifeServe is reporting a CRITICAL Need (less than 2 day supply) of the following blood types: O- and AB- and an URGENT Need (2-3 day supply) of O+
5. It Takes Less Time Than Ever Before
Historically, the entire donation process has taken about an hour with roughly 10 minutes of that time dedicated to the actual blood donation. Thanks to modern technology, you can save time using QuickPass! QuickPass allows you to fill out the donor history questionnaire on the day of your donation from your smartphone, tablet, or computer! Check it out at the LifeServe QuickPass! All you need to do is read the educational materials, answer the history questions, and print or email the QuickPass barcode to bring with you!
Want to help?
Here are some other things you need to know in order to donate blood!
- Weight: At least 120 pounds
- Age: At least 16 years old (16 & 17-year-old donors must have a signed permission form)
- Must be in general good health
- Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating (OJ is always a good idea)
- Bring a photo ID or your Donor ID card
Not sure When or Where?
We’ve got you covered! Global Reach is proud to announce that we have partnered with LifeServe Blood Center for our first-ever Global Reach Blood Drive on Monday, December 9, 2019! We’ll be at the CPMI Events Center, located at 2321 N. Loop Drive, Ames, Iowa 50010 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM CST!
Need another reason?
How about FREE STUFF? We’ll be handing out free coffee mugs while supplies last, and LifeServe promises free T-Shirts to first-time donors! You also earn 100 points with each donation which can be redeemed online for more great free stuff (including the highly coveted holiday sox)!
What Are You Waiting For?
Head over to the Global Reach Facebook Event Page and RSVP ASAP!
Save the Date, Save Lives with Global Reach and LifeServe Blood Center!
Categories: GRIP News, Social Media
