Blood Donation

By: Cheryl Bratsch

What is Blood?

• It is the blood’s job to transport oxygen, nutrients, and heat to different tissues and organs.

• It carries waste to the lungs, liver and kidneys for disposal.

• Blood is a very complex subtance and can only be obtained through a healthy donor.

Who can donate blood?

• Volunteers from the community are the safest and most reliable source of blood supply.•Anyone in good health.•Anyone who weighs at least 110 pounds.•Anyone at least 18 years old.

Where does the blood go?

• Blood is used by hospitals and other medical services.

• Some of the patients who typically require blood transfusions:

Cancer patientsBurn patientsPremature babiesVictims of traumatic injuries and accidents Patients undergoing major surgeries

Did you know….

• Keep in mind that one donor generally gives one unit of blood per visit.

• Heart Transplant: 6-10 units of blood• Kidney Transplant: 1-2 units of blood• Automobile Accident: 4-40 units of blood• Premature Newborn: 1-4 units of blood• Leukemia: 2-6 units of blood• Sickle Cell Disease: 10-15 units of blood

Where can I donate?

• There are many places to donate blood.• ARUP and America Red Cross have many

locations and walk-ins are always welcome.• Local blood drives at schools, churches,

hospitals, or local businesses are held frequently.

• For more information on blood donation visit:www.utahblood.org

Help Save a Life Today!

Sources

• http://www.utahblood.org

• http://www.redcross.org/donate/give/

• www.executivehm.com