National Blood Donor Month
It is National Blood Donor Month! And in the world as it stands in 2022, the need for Americans to donate blood is greater than ever. Even under normal circumstances one blood donation can typically save up to three lives and someone requires a blood transfusion to survive quite literally EVERY TWO SECONDS according to the VA. Every single blood-type is in extremely high demand and it takes 24-48 hours to process, test and prepare a pint of blood for transfusion.
The Department of Veterans Affairs explains,
“Blood shortages have become a national epidemic with communities throughout the U.S. experiencing these shortages more frequently and for prolonged periods of time nationwide due to disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is the time for you to make a difference.
If every eligible individual pledges and also follows through on donating blood at least one more time than they did in 2021, blood shortages would be eliminated. It is safe and easy to donate blood. All eligible individuals are encouraged to schedule an appointment to help maintain the nation’s blood supply for its availability whenever and wherever it is needed.”
Over 33,000 donations per day are needed throughout the nation in order to meet the needs of American patients. And this is a fantastic opportunity to be the difference between life and death for another.
Blood Donations & Convalescent Plasma Donation
According to The Red Cross, “As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product.
There are two ways those who have recovered from COVID-19 can make a big difference:
- A convalescent plasma donation: The Red Cross is collecting convalescent plasma at over 170 locations throughout the country. If you’ve recovered from COVID-19, you may be eligible to donate your plasma to help others going through COVID-19 treatment. Fill out the eligibility form to start the process.
- A whole blood donation: Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Make an appointment to give blood by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Convalescent plasma, also known as “survivor’s plasma,” is blood plasma derived from patients who have recovered from COVID-19. These donations contain natural antibodies to the virus that afflicted the donor which can be used to treat other patients and boost their immune system. Mayo Clinic wrote, “Your doctor may consider convalescent plasma therapy if you’re in the hospital with COVID-19 and you are early in your illness or you have a weakened immune system. If you have questions about convalescent plasma therapy, ask your doctor.
Your doctor will order convalescent plasma that is compatible with your blood type from your hospital’s local blood supplier.”
The Requirements To Donate Blood
The Red Cross tells us that a blood-donor card, drivers license or two other forms of ID are necessary to donate blood. You must be 17 years of age in most states (16 with parent’s consent where allowed), weigh at least 110 lbs. and be in generally good health. If you’re still in High School and/or are 18 or younger, you may be required to meet additional height and weight requirements. You can get started, by following the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or using the Blood Donor App.
We know that during January, blood banks nationwide experience major shortages, the problem is even worse this year with the Omicron variant causing COVID restrictions to clamp down again. Generally people already stop donating blood around the holidays or cannot because they’ve fallen ill with seasonal colds or flu, in many areas blood drives are even snowed out and valuable time and resources are lost. That’s one of the reasons that fifty years ago in 1969, a Presidential proclamation signed by then President Richard Nixon marked January as National Blood Donor Month, to meet this challenge head on.
“NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the month of January 1970 as National Blood Donor Month. I call upon the public media, the blood-banking and medical and health facilities of our country, and the public at large to pay special tribute and honor during that month to the voluntary blood donor and to encourage, by all appropriate means, increasing numbers of people to be voluntary blood donors.”
Please if you are able, donate today. And give one of the most important medicines that only YOU can provide.
As a pharmaceutical distributor Apotheca Wholesale Pharmaceuticals is well equipped and ideally suited to help your business wade through the uncertain changes that 2022 will bring, supporting you as we have since the beginning of the COVID19 Emergency.
Contact us today at Customerservice@apothecainc.com or call us at 602-252-5244.