{"id":15407,"date":"2018-12-11T15:24:31","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T15:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https://medartslab.com/?p=15407"},"modified":"2018-12-11T15:24:31","modified_gmt":"2018-12-11T15:24:31","slug":"donate-blood-january-is-blood-donation-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://medartslab.com/donate-blood-january-is-blood-donation-month/","title":{"rendered":"January is National Blood Donor Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

 
\nBlood is a vital element in performing surgeries throughout the country, one which regularly sees a shortage. According to the American Red Cross<\/span><\/a>, winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs. This season, take time out of your busy holiday schedule to donate during National Blood Donor Month<\/a>. Give one of the best gifts you can give \u2013 the gift of life.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>Why Should you Donate Blood?<\/h3>\n

Several times a year, <\/span>blood banks will see donations decrease<\/span><\/a>, for a number of reasons. The first being that blood blanks simply can\u2019t keep their shelves stocked. An adult can donate one unit <\/span>\u2013<\/span> 350\u2013450 ml \u2013 once every three months<\/span>. <\/span>To consider the amount of donations necessary, one liver transplant can use 120 units of donated blood. In total, the Red Cross and America\u2019s Blood Centers (ABC) need 80,000 units on hand daily to meet the needs of virtually all U.S. blood blanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

In winter, a decrease in donations is often due to illness. When ailments such as the flu or cold become widespread, people are unable to donate. In fact, the National Institutes of Health advises that you be <\/span>free of cold and flu symptoms<\/span><\/a> for at least 48 hours before donating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Primarily, shortages are a result of natural and man-made disasters. It is important to donate earlier in the year to provide an adequate supply to treat those injured in a catastrophic event. January was selected as the donation month, as it precedes the <\/span>annual tornado and hurricane seasons<\/span><\/a>. As man-made disasters are largely unpredictable, it is even more important that blood banks remain stocked for emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How Can I Donate Blood?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you would like to donate, first be sure you\u2019re eligible. <\/span><\/p>\n

See if you meet all of the following blood donation requirements<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n