The Church of the Assumption and Knights Of Columbus will be hosting a community blood drive on Saturday, February 25th, from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. for Community Blood Services (link).
According to the organization, the following are some facts regarding the necessity for blood donation:
- Every 2.5 seconds someone in the United States needs blood.
- Red blood cells have a shelf life of about 35 days.
- Less than 5% of the population donates blood, yet 80% of the population needs blood.
- Nearly 4 million Americans would die each year without life-saving blood transfusions.
- A heart surgery patient needs up to 6 units of red blood cells and 6 units of platelets.
- A sickle cell anemia patient needs up to 14 units or red blood cells per treatment.
- An automobile accident victim needs up to 50 units of red blood cells.
- A cancer patient needs up to 8 units of platelets per week.
An organ transplant recipient needs 30 units of platelets and 25 units of plasma.
Anyone who is over the age of 18, is at least 110 lbs., and carries valid identification can donate blood. Donors should eat before as well as drink before and after donating blood.
The blood drive will be at the lower Chiego Hall located downstairs in the Church of Assumption at the corner of Chiego Place and West Westfield Avenue. Parking will be available in the parking lot next to the church.