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Keep Donating Blood
Dear Editor:
As everyone knows, blood is one of the biggest demands in our country. Many people don't realize but almost everyone can donate their blood even if they are on a medication. Congratulations to everyone who goes out and donates as often as possible. For all of you who don't donate hopefully some of these facts will get you out to donate.
Ninety-five percent of us, by the time we are 75 years old, will need a blood transfusion. One blood donation can save several lives. How? By separating each donation into different parts: red blood cells, plasma, white blood cells, and cryoprecipitate.
Since we have had so much bad weather recently many blood drives have been canceled leaving the New York Blood Center on high demand for blood. Hospitals near us like to have a 7-10 day blood supply on their shelves but right now they are all dealing with a 2-3 day supply. Not only that but nearly 20% of the blood used in our region comes from other regions in the United States because we are not selfsufficient. It takes all different blood types to make a successful Blood Drive. Blood type AB is the rarest and is needed everywhere so we need all you AB donors to start donating A LOT.
I hope that since you have read this letter it will compel you to start donating your blood or keep donating if you already do. You can go to the New York Blood Center website at www.nybloodcenter.org and find out when the next Blood drive in your area.
Sarah Costigan
Philipstown
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