Donated blood is usable for only 42 days, so volunteer donors are constantly needed. Your blood will help save lives. The blood donated from a single person can save as many as three peoples lives. This is because the blood can be separated into red cells, platelets, and plasma. Every two minutes, someone in our community needs blood for emergency surgeries and other medical treatments.
Most blood is used to treat cancer, heart and liver diseases, sickle-cell anemia and hemophilia.
Because of past problems, there are always health concerns when it comes to blood donation. But, the blood supply is safer today than it has ever been before. By using donor screening and advanced blood testing methods, the American Red Cross maintains an exceptionally safe community blood supply. For those that do not know their blood type, they can find out by donating blood. In six to eight weeks after your first donation, you will receive a Red Cross donor card that has your blood type on it.