Numerous times throughout the year, it’s common to see flyers or a pamphlet about local blood drives posted around town. Many times, you may pass them by without giving them a second look – but have you ever stopped to think about how important it is to donate blood?
The demand for blood in the United States remains vital. According to the American Red Cross:
- Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds
- A single car accident victim may require as many as 100 pints of blood
- The average donation of blood is roughly 1 pint
- Approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
- The most requested blood type by hospitals is O – being a universal blood type, it can be used on newborns and for emergencies when blood type is unknown
January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month to help raise awareness and motivate potential donors to begin donating blood. While many individuals may be more likely to donate around the holidays, it’s imperative that blood banks be readily stocked at all times.
At Methodist McKinney Hospital, we know how important it is for blood banks to have an adequate amount of blood throughout the year. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing an opportunity to donate at our hospital every 3 months. Below are the dates for our blood drives, put on by our friends at Carter BloodCare:
- March 15, 2017
- June 21, 2017
- September 20, 2017
- December 20, 2017
“Giving blood multiple times a year – not just around the holiday season – is incredibly important,” said Kelli Vassar, Lab Manager at Methodist McKinney Hospital. “The blood you donate can make all the difference in the world to someone who needs it. We encourage anyone, regardless of blood type, to donate if and when you can.”
Together, we can help those at their most crucial time for survival. We always provide the safest, most sanitized conditions in which you can feel completely comfortable donating blood. For more information about our blood drives, call us at 972-569-2700.
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