Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. If you think about, it, that's a lot of blood. However, only 5 percent of the eligible United States population donates blood in any given year. Healthy donors are the only source of blood for the supplies that are needed to save lives. Currently there is no substitute.
Why is blood such an important part of every day life? Blood is the liquid that circulates throughout the entire body carrying nutrients to every cell and at the same time carrying away waste products. Blood plays a central role in the body's defenses.
Through a network of miles and miles of vessels, blood is pumped by the heart to every part of the body. The average adult body contains about 10 pints of blood. There are four main components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. In addition, blood is vitally important because it contains various nutrients and minerals.
Blood is produced in the bone marrow, a jellylike substance inside the bones. In adults, the spine, ribs, and pelvis are the primary bones that make blood. As the blood cells develop from the stem cells in the marrow, they seep into the blood that passes through the bones and on into the bloodstream.
Many generous Americans nationwide have been donating blood for many years. However, the generosity surged after the terrorist attacks of September 11 to ensure a sustained and secure blood supply for all Americans. Blood donation sites throughout the United States are ensuring that the safest possible blood is readily available whenever and wherever needed, the military, for blood centers across the United States and for all 5,000 of America's hospitals.
We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do volunteer. Sooner or later, virtually all of us face a time of when blood is needed. Too often that time is often unexpected. Estes Park Medical Center is pleased to partner with the Garth Englund Blood Center in facilitating the gift of blood donation 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 25 at the Estes Park Medical Center - lower level conference rooms.
The general guidelines for donating blood are as follows:
• Individuals must be healthy and be at least 17 years old
• Weight must be at least 110 pounds
• Individuals must not have donated blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days) or a donation of double red cells in the last 16 weeks (111 days)
• Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities
• If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.
Other aspects of each potential donor's health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.
Why give blood?
You will ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
Blood is something money can't buy. It is something one person can give to another.
You may become a hero in someone's life - a newborn child, a mother or father, brother or sister. You can give someone another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation
It's the right thing to do!