Healthcare Ministry

Why Give?
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. That's a LOT of blood. But only 5% of the eligible U.S. population donates blood in any given year. Healthy donors are the only source of blood. Currently there is no substitute.

Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.

Imagine if giving blood was part of everyone's life. Something you did on a regular basis, like eating at your favorite restaurant. What kind of difference would that make? For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year, your donation can make the difference between life and death.
Giving blood is simple and convenient. Plan to commit about an hour for the donation.

Each potential donor's health history is 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 blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.

General Donation Guidelines:
To give blood for transfusion to another person, you must be healthy, and be at least 17 years old. You must weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated whole blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in the last 16 weeks (112 days). "Healthy" means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control. For more specific questions, call Connie Gull.