Moeller Blood Drive

On Wednesday October fifth, Moeller held its semiannual blood drive. Students who participate are required to be 16 years or older. Students who are 16 years old are required to have parental consent to participate. Also, by participating you receive one gold service hour. After giving blood you receive snacks and a drink to help stabilize your blood sugar and fluid levels.

Someone needs blood every two seconds. By donating one pint of blood, you can save 3 lives. Donating blood is healthy for your heart and by donating you can improve blood flow. Also, donating is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old can donate blood every 56 days or every two months. It only takes 15 minutes to an hour of your time to donate blood that could save people’s lives.

Only 37% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, however, less than ten percent of those who are eligible donate annually. Most medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors. On average three pints are needed for whole blood and red blood cell transfusions. A patient could lose the opportunity to receive a lifesaving organ if compatible blood is not available to support the transplant. 4.5 million Americans need a blood transfusion every year. One in seven people who enter a hospital need blood. One unit of blood can be separated into several components: red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate (a part of plasma). Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Platelets promote blood clotting and give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live. Plasma is necessary to help your body recover from injury, distribute nutrients, remove waste, and prevent infection. Plasma, which is 90 percent water, makes up 55 percent of blood volume.

Donating blood is important and if you are eligible you should participate in the next blood drive.