Blood Donations Expected to Drop Amid July 4th Holiday

Press Release

No matter the time of year, many people in this community rely on blood products.  Whether it’s for a planned orthopedic surgery, or during an emergency c-section, blood products are vital to the health and safety of hospital patients. And the fact is – the need for blood never takes a vacation. The Blood Connection (TBC), the non-profit community blood center serving local hospitals, wants to make the public aware of an urgent need for blood right now. As we celebrate our country’s independence, TBC urges the community to also stand proud to be a blood donor, at a critical time of year.

Approximately 42,000 units of blood are used daily in the United States, and 4.5 million Americans will need a blood transfusion every year. One in seven people who enter a hospital will need blood. During the summer, blood donor turnout drops, while hospitals report an increase in traumas. That’s a recipe for an urgent need for blood. Blood products cannot be created in a lab – they must be donated – so it is imperative that members of the community roll up their sleeves to help patients in need this Summer.  While around 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, only three percent do.

TBC will have its donation centers open on July 4, and will be hosting specific blood drives July 1-8.  As a thank you for donating, all donors will receive $60 in rewards at blood drives, with a $10 bonus at donation centers. Rewards can be used to redeem various eGift cards. To find a blood drive or center, visit thebloodconnection.org/donate. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.

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