This Life Advice section about Being A Blood Donor was produced by the MetLife Consumer Education Center with assistance from the American Association of Blood Banks, the National Blood Foundation, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Editorial services provided by Meredith Integrated Marketing. But it can be a common experience-if you give blood. Next year ever more will need it as demand continues to grow.
Blood is indeed something special.
It can't be manufactured, and it can't be replaced with animal blood. Yet, statistics show only 5 percent of all possible donors actually roll up their sleeves and give. We Want You Blood bank organizations constantly seek new donors. Those who fit the bill include individuals between 17 and 76 years old who weigh at least 110 pounds. Young people, in particular, are in demand.