What is the purpose of a blood drive?

This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Whole blood donations are typically used to help patients fight cancer, blood disorders and traumatic injuries. The Power Red donation enables the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells at just one appointment!

How do you advertise a blood drive?

Include blood drive, date, time, & location. Post blood drive stats on Facebook. In 140 characters or less, promote your blood drive by posting drive information on your personal Twitter account and/or your group’s Twitter account.

How long does Red Cross keep your blood type on file?

Whether you’re carving a turkey or tofurkey, be sure to also carve out time to make a blood donation. Unlike Thanksgiving leftovers, the American Red Cross cannot stockpile blood — it expires after 42 days and platelets expire after only 5 days. This year don’t allow holiday travel to disrupt your blood donation.

Are you notified when your blood is used?

Test results are transferred electronically to the processing center within 24 hours. If a test result is positive, your donation will be discarded and you will be notified (our test results are confidential and are only shared with the donor, except as may be required by law).

Why do blood donors drive?

The reason to donate is simple…it helps save lives. In fact, every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood. Since blood cannot be manufactured outside the body and has a limited shelf life, the supply must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.

Did you know facts about blood donation?

Here are the facts:

  • Just 1 donation can save up to 3 lives.
  • The average red blood cell transfusion is 3 pints (or 3 whole-blood donations).
  • More than 1 million people every year are diagnosed with cancer for the first time.
  • More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.

What’s the best blood type?

O negative blood is known as the universal blood type because it is safe for everyone to receive O negative red cells.

Can you donate period blood?

But regular menstruation does not affect your ability to donate. You can safely donate blood during your period if it is required and your period will not be affected by the donation.