Every year, during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, blood donations decrease as people become more involved with upcoming festivities (redcross.org). As such, the Red Cross is attempting to encourage people to donate blood before all the busyness of the holidays begins.

According to the American Red Cross, blood donations are significant because “The need is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. And you’ll feel good knowing you’ve helped change a life” (redcrossblood.org). There are different steps to donating, and those include registering, having a mini-physical, donating and refreshments afterwards (redcrossblood.org).

For the first step, volunteers or staff will go over the process, as well as explain eligibility and ask for some form of identification. After that, questions of recent travel, as well as those of health history will be asked, then temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin level will be measured. Donation itself will take eight to ten minutes, followed by a snack or something to drink. After 10 to 15 minutes, the donor can leave the site (redcrossblood.org).
Blood donation may be deemed important because there is no substitute for human blood, different life-saving techniques require the latter and blood products cannot be stored interminably. Platelets, for instance, can be stored for five days, red blood cells for a total of 42, and plasma for one year (donarsang.gencat.com).

Moreover, the need for blood seems ever-present, for there will always be someone in need of such assistance. People in many different circumstances may require it, from those injured in combat, to cancer patients (militaryblood.dod.mil).

Blood, to those who need it, appears vital. For example, “40 or more units of blood may be needed for a single trauma victim”, “eight units of platelets may be required daily by leukemia patients” and “a single pint of blood can sustain a premature infant’s life for two weeks” (militaryblood.dod.mil). Additionally, each donation may help up to three individuals (donarsang.gencat.com).

Also, usage of blood is increasing in today’s world of medical advances. Blood transfusions have become a routine part of healthcare nowadays, and in order to aid people in what were once thought terminal diseases, blood seems ever more necessary (donarsang.gencat.com).

Due to the apparent requirement of blood donations, the Red Cross has allowed for more opportunities for such. These occur throughout many counties in Michigan, such as Macomb, Oakland, Saint Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. People may also visit the website redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Many times and locations are hence being offered due to the perceived need for blood donations.