Why blood donations are needed more than ever this week
EDINA, Minn. - M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital and Memorial Blood Centers co-hosted a blood drive in Edina on Friday.
Why you should care: The drive aimed to collect supply at a time when donations typically drop by nearly a quarter, due to school breaks, family vacations and holiday travel. The downturn comes at a time when more people need blood because of holiday-related accidents and emergencies. The sharp end-of-the-year drop in donations impacts blood centers nationwide.
By the numbers:
- 1 in 7 hospital patients requires a blood transfusion.
- A blood transfusion is performed once every 2 seconds, according to Memorial Blood Centers, a St. Paul-based nonprofit.
- A unit of blood saves up to 3 lives, the organization said.
What they’re saying: "We see a historical drop of 20 percent in donations," said Luke Vang, a Memorial Blood Centers spokesman. "We do see an increase in travel-related incidents and accidents and emergencies."
"I’ve had multiple surgeries and had blood that was required," said Walt Braeger of Edina. "Giving blood is a way of just demonstrating a small, microscopic form of kindness, and this world needs a lot more kindness given all the bitterness that’s out there."
"I’ve had friends that have needed blood transfusions," said Lisa Finley of Minneapolis. "It doesn’t hurt, and you get free water."
What you can do: Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The FDA recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit mbc.org or call 1-888-448-3253.