By Jerry Davis
The supply of donated blood fluctuates throughout the year and after various events. For example, after the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, the blood supply swelled to very high levels due to the overwhelming response of donors. During the holidays and summer months, levels tend to fall because of a decline in donations, but the demand remains stable and can even increase. Over the recent 4th of July weekend, Penn State Hershey Medical Center transfused 215 units of red blood cells due to multiple traumas and an organ transplant. During the same time frame, there were only 52 blood donations.
Even though the summer months can be a busy time for employees and their families, it is important to remember why taking the time to donate blood is important. In one hour’s time, a person can donate one unit of blood, which can be separated into four components that could help save multiple lives. From one unit of blood, red blood cells can be extracted for use in trauma or surgical patients. Plasma, the liquid part of blood, is administered to patients with clotting problems. The third component of blood—platelets—clots the blood when cuts or other open wounds occur, and is often used in cancer and transplant patients. Finally, cryoprecipitated anti-hemophilic factor (AHF) is also used for clotting.
Haven’t tried donating blood before or haven’t donated in a couple of months? There is no time like the present to give the gift of life. To find out more about where to donate blood locally, call the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank at (717) 566-6161 or (800) 771-0059, or contact the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Blood Bank at (717) 531-5063 or (717) 531-8232. All Medical Center and College of Medicine employees who donate now through Aug. 14 at either of the two on-campus blood donor centers will be eligible to win a family four-pack of tickets to Hersheypark.
Jerry Davis is chief technologist with the blood bank at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.