Campus Life

The Medical Minute: Blood donation helps many with one gift

During December, feelings of goodwill for humanity blossom and the spirit of giving comes alive. In January, the decorations come down and the presents are put away. Those who wish that the holiday spirit would last throughout the year should consider giving one gift that can have a positive impact on many people in need -- the gift of blood donation -- especially now, since January is National Blood Donor Volunteer Month. All blood types are needed every day, and the most common types are needed most often. Donated blood is split into its components to meet the needs of trauma victims, cancer patients, burn victims, surgical patients, premature infants and many others. Blood is a gift that literally saves the lives of many people. Volunteers who are reasonably healthy, at least 17 years old and at least 110 pounds can be donors. There is no upper age limit, and very few medical problems exclude donation.
For the full Medical Minute from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, visit http://www.psu.edu/ur/2003/medicalminute018.html.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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