Donate Blood—Find Your Local Community Blood Center

When an emergency strikes, every second counts. That's why having a strong blood supply ready and available is critical for saving lives in trauma situations. But many people don't realize that the blood that is used in these situations was donated in the days before the event, which is why regular blood donations are so critical for all patients in need.

The Crucial Role of Blood in Trauma Care

Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under 45. Severe blood loss is responsible for 40% of trauma deaths. When trauma patients arrive at the hospital, they often need blood transfusions immediately since the first 60 minutes after an injury—referred to as the “Golden Hour”—is critical to survival.

Consider these statistics:

• Trauma patients consume 70% of all blood transfused at a trauma center
• More than 80% of deaths in the operating room and nearly 50% of deaths in the first 24 hours after injury are due to severe blood loss
• Gunshot victims need 10 times more blood units on average

This is why maintaining a strong blood supply is so crucial. Having blood products readily available can mean the difference between life and death for trauma patients. Hospitals rely on their community's regular volunteer donors to ensure they always have the blood they need.

The Journey from Donor to Patient

When you donate blood, it can take 24-48 hours before it’s ready to go to a patient in need. The process works like this:

1. Blood is collected from donors at blood centers or mobile drives
2. Donations are tested for infectious diseases and manufactured into their final product
3. Blood components are distributed to hospitals
4. Products are stored until needed for transfusions

This means the blood used in emergencies was donated days or weeks earlier by volunteers who took the time to give.

Types of Blood Products Used in Trauma Care

Different blood components play unique roles in treating trauma patients:

• Red blood cells carry oxygen and are critical for patients who've lost large amounts of blood
• Plasma helps with clotting to control bleeding
• Platelets are essential for forming blood clots to stop hemorrhaging
  
  

The Ongoing Need for Blood Donors

While major disasters create spikes in blood donations, the need for blood is constant. Consider these facts:

• Someone needs blood every 2 seconds in the U.S.
• Nearly 30,000 units of whole blood and red blood cells are transfused each day
• Roughly 62% of the population is eligible to donate blood
• Only 3% of Americans donate annually

Regular blood donation is vital to maintain a strong and diverse blood supply. Blood centers need donors to give blood routinely, not just after tragedies. A stable blood supply saves lives every single day. By donating blood regularly, you ensure that life-saving blood is always available when trauma strikes. Schedule your donation appointment today and become a hero for patients in need.

In the United States?
Find your local community blood center.

Outside the United States?
Visit the European Blood Alliance, the Asia Pacific Blood Network, Héma-Québec or Canadian Blood Services to find your local blood center.