Why Give Blood?

Only 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood and of those only 8% do. That amounts to only about 3 out of every 100 people.

Whether it is through the Red Cross, a local hospital or blood bank, or mobile blood drive, there is a constant need for blood donations. If you have an opportunity to give please do so. I have been giving blood the last few years after saying "someday I will do that" way too long.

There are some requirements.  Most donation locations have a quick form that you fill out before giving blood, to screen the donor for eligibilty. If you can't because you do not qualify, maybe you can give in another way.

Often times there is an insentive to give - a pint of ice cream for a pint of blood or free movie for donating. The place that I go offers points that you can turn in for movie tickets, rounds of golf, dinner, and hundreds of other things. Check with your local donation spots.

 I give blood at the Marshall Community Blood Center the map below show the location here in Placerville. At theere web site they list these Top 10 reasons to give blood.

Here are the top 10 reasons to donate blood:

1. Every two seconds someone needs blood.
2. Blood is needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
3. Blood cannot be stores; it is perishable.
4. There is absolutely no health risk from donating blood.
5. Your body has 10-12 pints of blood. Your body will replenish that lost pint in less than 48 hours.
6. Less than 5% of the entire U.S. population donates blood.
7. 80% of us will need blood by age 75.
8. The most common blood type is "O" but all types are needed.
9. Marshall Community Blood Center doesn't need blood. Patients at Marshall Hospital do.
10. Blood has to be available before it is needed.

Map to Blood Center in Placerville, Ca