Donate Blood Today -- Save Up to T...(od donors gave at least twice a year it ...),Health

People can donate blood every 56 days. Red blood cells must be used within 42 days, platelets within five days, and plasma can be frozen and used for up to one year.

A single blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people. An adult of average weight has about 10 to 12 units of blood, so one pint is easy to spare. Once donated, blood can be separated into several components including red blood cells, platelets and plasma.

A single patient can use large amounts of blood: Car accident and trauma victims need as many as 50 or more red cell transfusions, and burn victims can use up to 50 platelet transfusions. Some anemic patients require blood transfusions to increase their iron levels. Platelets help blood to clot and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live. Plasma helps maintain blood pressure, carries blood cells, nutrients, enzymes, and hormones, and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity.

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive.

Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 with parental consent (in NY) or 17 (in NJ), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor's note.

To donate blood, please call:

Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566

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