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Blood donations save lives!
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Christ the King is sponsoring a blood drive tomorrow, Wednesday, March 8 from 1:00 to 6:00pm. Please help give the gift of life by donating at our drive as it's vitally important to ensure a sufficient blood supply for those in need. And with the severe shortage, The Blood Connection increased it's gift card incentive to donate to $60!
Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood? Reasons vary from accidents, surgeries, and organ transplants to burn victims and cancer treatments as chemotherapy often includes blood transfusions. The need for blood is constant and donations are needed for a safe and reliable blood supply.
People of Christ the King take the message of Jesus' “blood…given for you…” during Communion literally, and once a quarter sign up to give blood through The Blood Connection. The Blood Connection traces its beginning to 1962 when a group of physicians, hospital, and community leaders came up with a plan to serve the community of Greenville, South Carolina. It evolved over time to create services throughout North Carolina and continues to expand. Blood collections stay in the community they are given and here support Wake Med and UNC Rex. While blood donations can be made directly at the Center in Raleigh, CTK makes it easier by bringing the donation vehicle to us. The air conditioned and comfortable bus is staffed by well trained phlebotomists, and a gift card is provided to all donors.
Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells, 5,000 units of platelets, and 6,500 units of plasma are needed every day in the U. S. and there is no substitute for human blood. Volunteers are the only source as blood can’t be manufactured.
- Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
- Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately three units and blood can not be stored for long as platelets must be used within five days and red cells within 42.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- Type O negative is considered a “universal donor”, O Positive is the most common type and in highest demand and most often requested by hospitals.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
- For more information, contact Marilyn Gramsch via Church Center.
Thank you to all who have donated blood in the past!
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