Why Donate Blood?

Why Donate Blood?
January is National Blood Donor Month

Due to weather and the holidays, there is a reduced blood supply. This is why it is especially important to donate blood this time of year.

Many people consider it a right to receive blood when needed, but don't often consider the responsibility of giving blood to maintain the community supply for others.

A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others in their community who are sick or injured. In one hour’s time, a person can donate one unit of blood that can be separated into four individual components that could help save multiple lives.

Donating blood is a safe process. Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and then discarded, making spread of infection to the donor not possible. You must be in good health, be at least 17 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. A person can donate whole blood every 56 days. Red blood cells can only be stored for 42 days, so the need continues.

So why not donate blood?

For more information, or to find a blood bank in your area, visit the Blood Bank of Alaska.