 Blood Drive
(Florida) With the warmer weathercomes the time of the year when vacations and summer schedules interrupt our daily routines, and is also a time when blood donation can slow down and supply levels can become dangerously low.
For the last 5 and one half years Coaster has partnered with the Red Cross to help those in need. On July 31, 2009, the blood mobile came to Coaster Florida. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Every two seconds someone in America needs blood, and by the time you finish reading this article 45 people will have needed blood.
The reality of how important readily available blood is to the health of the community is ever-present, especially during the summer months when the blood supply is often low. This shortage is partially due to the large number of people traveling, typically away from where they normally donate.
Now that you know about the possible shortages expected this summer, please take action to reduce the risk. Donate blood.
To schedule your blood donation appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543).
Summer Blood Facts (taken from the American Red Cross)
Do donations typically slow down during the summer months?
Yes, they do. People are busy with vacations and other activities and donating blood is just not on the top of people’s minds. Schools are not in session and we rely on our students both in the high schools and colleges so those numbers decrease also.
Does the need for blood decrease in the summer months?
No it doesn’t, in fact the need increases. In addition to all the usual procedures that require blood, we see an increase in need due to traumas, like motorcycle, and motor vehicle accidents. We saw evidence of this even before the Memorial Holiday weekend. Some victims can require large amounts of blood depending on the severity of their injuries.
Who can donate?
If you are 17 years of age or older and in general good health, you are eligible to be a blood donor. If you are 16 you can donate but you must have an approved consent form signed by your parent or legal guardian. There is no upper age limit, however after your 71 birthday, we ask questions about your health and travel history and do a brief physical to determine if you are eligible. The whole process from when you walk in the door until you have refreshments, take about one hour.
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