The future looks positive, said Minnis. And although Minnis always gave blood and knew the value of her donation and of signing an organ donor card, she said her son's experience gave her a complete perspective. And as Minnis pointed out, people can donate blood to be stored for their own need in case of an emergency or surgery. This is called a directed blood donation. In a bone marrow transplantation, Peloquin said, a patient might need a particular blood product such as platelets to help the blood clot.
Platelets prevent the patient from bleeding to death.
The Blood Center has a program for people to donate platelets. Please read our Privacy Policy. Advertise with us in print or online.