Getting Ready for Vacation: Add Giving Blood to Your List of Things
To Do
As Independence Day approaches, think about giving blood
before you go away. According to the American Red Cross, blood donations drop
during the summer, especially around holiday weekends. Unfortunately, the demand
for blood actually increases during the summer. . .particularly during holiday
weekends when traffic and other accidents are at a high.
Who can donate blood? Most healthy people 17 years of age or older who weigh
at least 110 pounds are eligible. Federal regulations require donors to wait
56 days between donations. All donated blood products are screened for transmissible
infections and there is absolutely NO RISK of contracting an infection from
giving blood. To find a blood drive or donor center near you, call the American
Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543). As a blood donor, you can give
the gift of life. And who knows when you or a loved one might need that gift
in return?
Created: 6/28/2001 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
