Bequeath Your Blood
Donating blood is quite literally a life saver!
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. is in need of blood.
The process is safe and simple and the actual donation for one pint of blood takes less than 10-12 minutes. Continue reading for a few spooky and spectacular facts that you may not have known about making a blood donation.
The importance of donating blood... and how Dracula got it right!
Vampires only take fresh blood.
Blood cannot be stored indefinitely; it must be used within 35-42 days after collection.
Since it does not have an indefinite shelf life, it is important that it is collected regularly.
Fact: Platelets, which assist in blood clotting, have a shorter shelf life and must be used within 5 days of collection.
Platelets are important for those whose bodies do not produce enough and are in danger of excessive bleeding.
Vampires can’t see the future.
Unfortunately for us, we can’t see into the future either.
There is no way of knowing how much blood will be imminently needed.
If there is an emergency, the blood must be previously donated before the event occurs.
No blood means no life.
If blood is not available when the need arises, consequences can be fatal (to both vampires and humans).
There is no substitute for human blood since it cannot be manufactured.
Dracula isn’t the only one who would appreciate a donation of blood.
Military members, cancer patients, surgical patients, and preemies could potentially require blood transfusions.
Fact: Only five percent of eligible donors actually donate blood.
Did You Know?
- More than 40 units of blood may be needed for a single trauma victim!
- 8 units of platelets may be required every day by leukemia patients undergoing treatment.
- A single pint of blood can sustain a premature infant’s life for two weeks.
Prove you’re not a scaredy cat and sign up to donate blood today!
To donate, get it touch with your nearest American Red Cross provider (or ARUP location for local Salt Lake City residents).
