Blood Centers of Lee Memorial Health System celebrate 50th anniversary
It’s National Blood Donor Month! This January also marks 50 years of service for the Blood Centers of Lee Memorial Health System.
In honor of this milestone, the blood centers ask that you become a hero and give the gift of life by donating blood. One in three people will need a transfusion in their lifetime, and you never know if that person in need will be you or someone you love.
“January was designated as National Blood Donor Month to encourage participation,” Nancy Hendrick, Community Relations Coordinator for Lee Memorial Blood Centers, said in a release announcing the anniversary. “It’s challenging to find donors during winter with so many people fighting illness, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays keeping everyone busy or out of town. There is no substitute for human blood, leaving transfusion patients to rely solely on donors to enable them to live and celebrate another day.”
Giving blood is safe, quick, and easy. Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and discarded. Before giving, donors receive a mini-physical at no cost – to check their pulse, blood pressure, temperature, hemoglobin level. The actual draw takes 5 – 10 minutes and the entire process is complete within 45 minutes. Blood type and cholesterol levels are also checked after a successful donation. All blood types are welcome.
Requirements
– Must be at least 17 – or 16 with parental consent; in good health; and weigh at least 115 pounds.
– Must provide photo I.D. with date of birth.
n Eat a good meal before giving and drink plenty of fluids.
Reasons you may be deferred from donating:
– If you are ill (cold/flu) or being treated for an illness; have hepatitis; or are HIV positive.
– Recent dental surgery (no infection and off antibiotics).
– Blood or plasma donation within the last 8 weeks.
– If you are on medication. Check with staff for clarification on which are acceptable.
The health system uses approximately 800 units each week to save the lives of people in this community. A single pint of blood, one donation, can help save several lives since it can be separated into different components – red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. The platelets may go to a child with leukemia, the plasma to a patient with a clotting problem and the red blood cells to an accident victim. Your donation will help ensure an adequate supply for both children and adults who are patients within Lee Memorial Health System.
Hendrick and her team of health professionals work from mobile collection buses as well as four Lee County locations. Any company, community organization, place of worship or individual can organize blood drives and request a bus for onsite visits.
To find the nearest location, host a blood drive, or get more information, please call Lee Memorial Blood Center at 239-343-2333.