Over 40 million people in the United States will need a blood transfusion this year for a surgical procedure, an emergency, or to help treat an illness. Each day, an estimated 40,000 units of red blood cells are needed across the country. You can give the gift of life by giving blood. The Nebraska Medical Association and the Metro Omaha Medical Society encourage you to help others by donating your blood.

Donated blood is put to good use. In fact, when you donate one unit of blood, about one pint, you may be helping as many as four people. The blood you donate is usually separated into three components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

Red blood cells are typically given to people who have lost a large amount of blood. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood and is often used to assist in clotting and to treat bleeding disorders. Platelets are the cells responsible for clotting which stops blood loss, and may be used by people during certain cancer and leukemia treatments.

Donating blood is a perfectly safe, simple and relatively painless process. The equipment is sterile, disposable and used only once for each donor. Once you have donated blood, you’ll have a high energy snack while you rest, then you’ll be on your way. Talk to your physician or contact the American Red Cross at 271-2588 for more information on donating blood.