Save a life this holiday season

The busy holiday season means fewer blood drives, and many donors are delaying their next appointment until after the new year. Even the weather can cause fewer donors to venture out. There is a critical need for blood donations to keep supplies ready to meet the needs of patients.

Someone needs blood or a blood product every two seconds in the United States, according to America’s Blood Centers (ABC). About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood for a variety of reasons. Blood transfusions can be necessary for serious injuries, surgeries, childbirth, blood disorders, anemia and many other conditions and situations. Plasma donations can be vital for patients with liver failure, severe infections and serious burns.

Blood donations are needed year-round for these reasons. But during the winter months, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is encouraging the public to make a concerted effort to give blood at a local blood drive. 

“I am fortunate to see the multiple benefits of donating blood from both the donor and laboratory perspectives. Donating blood can lower the risk of heart attack, reduce stress, improve your emotional health and save up to three lives,” said Justin Cox, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital laboratory director. 

Top reasons to make donating blood part of your winter plans:

1.    Your donation can save a life, or several lives if your blood is separated into its components – red blood cells, platelets and plasma. In fact, one pint of blood can save up to three lives. 

2.    Good Giving: Now through Jan. 15, ImapactLife blood donors are given the opportunity to support food banks. 

3.    Before donating, you receive a small health check-up (not to replace regular exams with your provider) that includes a check of your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and iron levels; Also, once your blood is collected and sent to a lab, further testing is done to check for infectious diseases, and you are notified immediately if there are concerns.

For more information about how to save and improve quality of life for those in need of blood and plasma, visit the ImpactLife website at www.bloodcenter.org, which is the organization that supplies HSHS Illinois hospitals with blood and blood products. 

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital regularly hosts blood drives with ImpactLife on a regular basis. The next drive will be held on December 13.

Blood drives for 2023 are scheduled for February 7, April 4 and June 6. To make an appointment at the next area blood drive, visit ImpactLife’s Donor Portal (bloodcenter.org) or call 800-747-5401.