Reason for Donating Blood Explained
In the United States, every two seconds, someone requires lifesaving blood [1][2][5]. This constant demand is met through regular donations, as blood cannot be stockpiled for long. Each donation plays a crucial role in preventing shortages that could delay or compromise urgent medical treatments.
One donated unit of blood can be separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, each of which can be given to different patients, thereby multiplying the lifesaving impact of a single donation [1][4]. This means that a single donation has the power to save multiple lives.
The American Red Cross, which provides about 40% of the nation’s blood supply, heavily depends on these donations, needing more than 12,000 donations daily nationwide to meet demand [1][2][3]. Blood transfusions are crucial for patients with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other chronic illnesses, not just for those with traumatic injuries or undergoing major surgeries [2].
A notable example of the importance of blood donations is the case of Travis Flanagan, a Binghamton resident who advocated for the legalization of medical blood transport in New York state after a traumatic farming accident [7]. Travis underwent multiple surgeries, including two leg amputations [9]. His advocacy led to the legalization of medical blood transport in New York state and the survival of numerous patients [8].
Trauma patients with major bleeding require at least 16 liters of replacement blood, with extreme cases needing 60 liters or more [3]. The replacement of blood is as critical as surgical repair for trauma patients, as it helps to maintain their vital functions and support their recovery. A patient involved in a brutal head-on car crash survived thanks in large part to plasma and red blood cell transfusions, given both at the scene and at the hospital [10].
The American Red Cross app allows donors to track the journey of their blood donation [6]. With most blood products, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, having different storage times—for instance, platelets can only be kept for 5-7 days—the blood supply must be continually replenished through regular donations [2].
References:
[1] American Red Cross. (n.d.). Why Donate Blood. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/why-donate-blood.html
[2] American Red Cross. (n.d.). Blood Facts. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/blood-facts.html
[3] American Red Cross. (n.d.). How Blood Donations Help Trauma Patients. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/how-blood-donations-help-trauma-patients.html
[4] American Red Cross. (n.d.). How Donated Blood is Used. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/how-donated-blood-is-used.html
[5] American Red Cross. (n.d.). How Many Lives Can One Donation Save? Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/how-many-lives-can-one-donation-save.html
[6] American Red Cross. (n.d.). Track Your Donation. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/track-your-donation.html
[7] Flanagan, T. (2020, August 11). New York State Senate Passes Blood Transport Bill. Retrieved from https://www.wskg.org/news/2020-08-11/new-york-state-senate-passes-blood-transport-bill
[8] Flanagan, T. (2020, August 11). New York State Senate Passes Blood Transport Bill. Retrieved from https://www.wskg.org/news/2020-08-11/new-york-state-senate-passes-blood-transport-bill
[9] Flanagan, T. (2020, August 11). New York State Senate Passes Blood Transport Bill. Retrieved from https://www.wskg.org/news/2020-08-11/new-york-state-senate-passes-blood-transport-bill
[10] American Red Cross. (n.d.). Miracle Moments. Retrieved from https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/miracle-moments.html
Science plays a significant role in medical-conditions management, including cancer treatment, as blood transfusions are crucial for patients battling these diseases. Regular donations are vital to maintaining an adequate supply of blood, ensuring that it can be used to save multiple lives through red blood cell, platelets, and plasma transfusions. These donations are a key factor in health-and-wellness initiatives that support patients in need.
