Why Donate Blood - Reasons for Donating

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Blood is essential for life: it carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infections, and helps heal wounds. And everyone has this self-generating resource that can be generously given to others—when and where it is needed most.

Accidents happen 24/7 that put our friends, family, and neighbors in danger

Blood transfusions save the lives of cardiac patients during surgery

Premature infants come into the world often needing blood to survive

You or someone you know will need blood

If not personally in need, at some point we will all know a friend, neighbor, family member, or co-worker who needs a blood transfusion. In fact, 1 out of 3 people will need blood in their lifetime. From natural disasters to unforeseen catastrophes, emergency hospital procedures to life-long battles with chronic diseases such as sickle cell, the demand for blood is constant. The supply is not. And since there is no substitute, only volunteer blood donors can roll up their sleeves and save lives.

Throughout this section, we hope you’ll find all you need to learn more about this life-sustaining and life-saving resource. Learn what blood is, what it does, and why it matters. Find out how safe, convenient, and easy it is to donate. Gain insight into where your Donated Blood Goes and the many Lives that are forever changed by your generous gift. And become a member of the Memorial Blood Centers community of donors who give regularly to those in need.

Why donating matters

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Your donation directly save lives

If you began donating blood at age 16 and donated every 56 days until you reached 76, you would have donated over 48 gallons of blood, potentially saving over 1,100 lives! Every time you donate, you help save the lives of as many as 3 people in need.
Look Who’s Living
You make a big impact—in so little time

Your investment of time and your gift as a volunteer blood donor deliver the greatest possible return. Donating blood takes about one hour, including a mini-physical and health interview. Within about 10 days, your blood will have already reached someone in need. Where else can you volunteer one hour of time and save up to three lives?
Others are depending on you

Right now, family members, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and others in your community are depending on you. Premature infants are born day and night, often requiring blood to survive. Cardiac surgery patients may need life-sustaining blood transfusions. The need is great. The rewards are many. And only you can volunteer to give the gift of life.
Schedule a Donation

You or someone you know will need blood

Why donating matters

Your donation directly save lives

You make a big impact—in so little time

Others are depending on you