Imagine walking into your local grocery store and smiling at a young mom with a newborn.
You’d never know it’s her first time out since a life-threatening delivery. After hours of labor, she hemorrhaged, but a blood transfusion saved her life. She’ll never know whose blood she received, but it could have been yours.
“About 65% of the population can donate, but only 3% do,” said Corey Bianchi-Rossi, marketing manager at Memorial Blood Centers.
Despite that, millions of patients nationwide rely on donated blood each year. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets. This includes a wide range of people, from those involved in serious accidents, to cancer patients to moms experiencing complications during childbirth.
“Blood is not something we can just purchase,” said Jennifer Alaspa, Aspirus St. Luke’s lab director. “The only way that we can get it is through live human donations.”
For many, donating may seem intimidating and time-consuming. However, the process is far more convenient than most expect. A typical appointment takes about an hour from start to finish, with the actual donation lasting just eight to 10 minutes. Afterward, donors enjoy a complimentary snack as a little treat to celebrate their contribution and replenish fluids.
Plus, donated blood often stays in your region, directly helping friends, family and neighbors. For example, Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth is the sole supplier for Aspirus St. Luke’s, ensuring donations support the community where they were collected.
“A single car accident survivor can need as many as 100 units of blood,” Bianchi-Rossi said. “By donating, you’re making sure the people you love have what they need if they ever face a situation like that.”
