Patients need different types of blood components depending on their illness or injury. Red blood cells are essential in fighting infections, carrying oxygen and helping to control bleeding. Platelets help control bleeding by collecting at the site of injury and activating substances in plasma which form a clot and promote wounds to heal. Patients with cancer, blood disorders or severe injuries require platelet transfusions to survive. Plasma is a fluid component of the blood that carries other blood cells, nutrients, and clotting factors throughout the body. Plasma is used in patients suffering from burns, traumas and bleeding disorders. Whether you donate whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, or plasma, your donation is helping people in need.