Imagine, for just 2 seconds, that your life hangs in the balance and the only people that can save you from certain death, are complete strangers.

I do not have to imagine it, I live it - everyday. Instead of being a victim of a rare blood disorder or the survivor of a near death experience, I choose to be a LIVING TESTIMONY of the need for blood donors. As an advocate and spokesperson working with the nation's two largest blood collection organizations, I hope to connect donors to the lives they save through education, encouragement and open communication. Together, we can save lives, one pint at a time.


Every 2 seconds, someone requires a blood transfusion to live.

That's why "It's Hip 2 Give!"

Check out the "Are You My Type?" commercial!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

6th Annual Blood Collectors Week

National Blood Collectors Week is a wonderful way to recognize the people that are involved in every aspect of saving thousands of lives everyday. Blood collection professionals are the connection between blood donors and the life-saving blood therapies people rely on every day. After a long holiday weekend like Labor Day in the United States, when donors are in short supply and accidents are typically on the rise, blood donation is even more important – and so is the job of blood-collection professionals.

Blood-collection professionals will be recognized in communities worldwide September 12-18, 2010, as part of the 6th Annual Blood Collectors Week, sponsored jointly by Fenwal Inc. and AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks). During the week, blood centers will host celebrations, often with local government officials, to recognize their staffs and donors. Individuals are encouraged to give back to their respective communities and honor these professionals by contacting their local blood collection facility to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

According to AABB data, approximately 30 million blood components are transfused annually in the United States alone. Blood transfusions are a critical component in the treatment of patients with serious medical conditions, from cancer to major surgery, as well as accident and trauma victims. People typically receive transfusions of red blood cells, platelets or plasma. Red blood cells are the most frequently needed blood component.

Blood collectors serve an important role helping individuals select the best donation option based on local blood supply needs, their blood type and donor qualifications. Type O negative is the universal blood type for red cells, and type AB is the universal blood type for platelets and plasma. To donate blood, one must be healthy, and meet age, weight and other donor requirements.

To contact a local blood center or to learn more about blood donation, visit www.aabb.org


Information provided by PRNewswire/AABB
Posted by at 9/14/2010 08:33:00 PM

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