Blood donations are needed
every day to save lives.


Contact your local hospital or
community blood bank today to
ensure that blood will be there
tomorrow for those who need it.


A message of the American
Association of Blood Banks,
1117 North 19th Street,
Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209.
National Geographic, February 1989: Used without permission
The need for blood products is always great. Did you know that some transplants can use over 100 units of blood? Just one donation can help save 3 lives. One patient every 12 seconds needs blood. Only the human body can produce blood -- no adequate artificial substitute has been found. There are some physical requirements for blood donors (minimum 100 lbs, good health, minimum hemoglobin level to name a few) and everyone is asked a few questions about their medical history. All answers are kept confidential between the donor and the donor center.

You cannot get infected with AIDS during the donation process. I'm sure that the phebotomist is more afraid of that than you are!!! The donation equipment is individually packaged and discarded after it is used. In fact, if the equipment is not opened in front of you, you should leave the donor center immediately.

You can help minimize the urgent need for blood by donating regularly. I've given nearly 7 gallons myself (that's 56 times). It's great to know that I've helped to save a life.

More information from the U.K. There's alot of interesting information there about how blood products are used. Check it out!!
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