ARM-to-ARM 2 1 3
2nd Annual American Red Cross –
MERCYWORLDWIDE Blood Drive
by Olimpia Argueta
MERCYWORLDWIDE Blood Drive Coordinator
Every 2 seconds 1 pint of blood is needed and 1 pint of blood saves 3 lives.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, MERCYWORLDWIDE is hosting the 2nd Annual Blood Drive, titled Arm-to-Arm 2 1 3.
“More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day. “
“The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs. “
“Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. “
“More than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. “
“A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood”
“The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O. “
At the 1st Annual American Red Cross – MERCYWORLDWIDE Blood Drive close to 100 donors participated and donated 61 pints of blood, saving up to 183 lives in one day! This year, we expect to far exceed these numbers and we are asking you to support this very worthy event … help someone, ARM-to-ARM 2 1 3.
-American Red Cros
The Blood Donation Process
“ARM-to-ARM,” a video documentary, gives us a visual idea of what blood donation is by tracking the blood donation process from the one arm willing to donate to the one arm in need. Every
2 seconds 1 pint of blood is needed and received by up to 3 individuals who require the pint of blood to recover after an unfortunate circumstance.
Luckily the blood donation process is simple and it starts with finding your local blood drive such as the 2nd Annual American Red Cross, MERCYWORLDWIDE Blood Drive on November 16, 2013. The process takes about 20 minutes, but there are certain eligibility requirements that need to be met before donating. If these are met; congratulations, you can help save 3 lives with just 1 pint of blood! With your blood donation, not only do you get to help others in need but you also get to know your own blood type. You will receive your own Red Cross Card identifying your blood type, which will allow you to continue donating in the future.
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the safety of blood donation for both donors and recipients, all volunteer blood donors must be evaluated to determine their eligibility to give blood. Important note to users.
Donation Type
Donation Frequency
Blood (whole blood)
Every 56 days
Platelets
Every 7 days, up to 24 times / year
Plasma
Every 28 days, up to 13 times / year
Double Red Cells
Every 112 days, up to 3 times / year
Blood Donors Must:
* Note: Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control. |
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Double Red Cell Donors –If you are male, you must:
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If you are female, you must:
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Other aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin (or hematocrit) are measured.
Making donations for your own use during surgery (autologous blood donation) is considered a medical procedure that requires a written prescription and the rules for eligibility are less strict than for regular volunteer donations.
For further information regarding eligibility please go to:
http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements