There are many ways for people to give back to their communities. Volunteering, coaching kids’ sports teams, and participating in charitable fundraisers and food drives are just a few ways to strengthen a community. Donating blood is another way to contribute and save lives.

The National Institutes of Health notes that blood and plasma donations are crucial for a wide range of reasons. In fact, recognition of the many ways blood and plasma donations are used might compel more people to make this simple and selfless act a bigger part of their efforts to give back to their communities.

  • Blood donations are used during surgery.
    The American Red Cross states that donated blood is often required for procedures such as heart surgeries, organ transplants, and emergency operations. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and the Red Cross notes that these are frequently transfused to trauma and surgery patients.
     
  • Blood donations assist cancer patients.
    The Red Cross explains that platelets are tiny blood cells that help form clots and stop bleeding. Certain types of cancer and their treatments hinder patients from producing their own platelets, making platelet donation crucial for their survival. Unlike regular blood donation, platelet donation takes about three hours from start to finish, according to the Red Cross. Some donations provide enough platelets for two to three patients, making the time investment worthwhile.
     
  • Blood donations support people with sickle cell disease.
    The Red Cross explains that patients with sickle cell often need multiple blood transfusions annually, and the blood must be carefully matched to their blood type to prevent complications. Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts Black or African American communities, and the most compatible blood matches usually come from individuals of the same ethnicity. This makes blood donated by members of the Black community both beneficial and essential for helping those with sickle cell.
     
  • Plasma donations are essential for burn victims.
    Burn victims often lose significant amounts of blood, and the plasma donation experts at Plasmasource.org point out that severe burns frequently cause fluid to leak from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. If the reduced fluid volume within the blood vessels is not addressed, it can lead to serious problems like shock and organ failure. These patients usually need plasma donations to restore fluid levels and prevent further complications from severe burns.
     

Blood and plasma donation is a simple and selfless act that annually helps to save millions of lives. More information about the donation process can be found at redcrossblood.org.