Blood Donation Facts
The fact is blood donation saves lives of those who are ill, or injured. Blood donation is safe for the donor, if health precautions are followed. Statistics show that the demand for blood donations often rises around the holidays, or in the summer when people travel and are more active.
Statistics show that 25% of us will need blood donations at least once in our life. Only five percent of the people who can give blood do so. Blood cannot be manufactured, but only given as a gift from one person to others.
The need for blood transfusions rises about nine percent yearly. One whole blood donation can help three people when it is divided into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Whole blood donation takes less than an hour, and typically is 480 ml. of blood or less.
The American Red Cross is the largest blood collection agency in the United States. Other places, like hospitals and clinics, collect and store donations. Some agencies pay for blood or for plasma.
