Donate Blood

I donated blood yesterday.

My blood is always earmarked for someone specific.

Apparently I have 'special' blood that can be used for preemies and elderly people. There is something I haven't been exposed to that most people have been. Whatever this is, it isn't good to give blood with the associated antibodies to sick babies or elderly people.

I always imagine a little baby in the NIC-U needs my help.

How can you say no to that, right?

But even if you have 'normal' blood, there is always a need.

The need for blood is great--on any given day, approximately 39,000 units of Red Blood Cells are needed. Accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or other diseases, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, all utilize blood. More than 29 million units of blood components are transfused every year. If you would like to donate blood, please use the locator below.

I encourage everyone to make time to donate and help save a life.

For more information about donating blood, visit the American Red Cross website. I've linked to their FAQ. Here is another good website, the Blood Bank Locator Map.