Save a Life – Donate Blood
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Blood donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure life-saving medical procedures are not delayed. The Upper School Student Council is hosting its annual blood drive with Carter BloodCare on Wednesday, February 14, and with the Red Cross on Thursday, February 15. FWCD family members, students age 16 and older, and faculty and staff are encouraged to donate.
How do I know if I’m eligible to donate blood?
In addition to being in good health, donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 lbs., and feel well the day of their donation. Sixteen-year-olds must have a signed parental consent form, or they can pick up a form in Upper School Room 202.
Be sure to eat iron-rich foods in the days leading up to donating blood, such as broccoli, tuna, ham, beef, potatoes, chicken, turkey, bread, eggs, tofu, beans (kidney, garbanzo, white, lentils) and pasta. Visit the Red Cross website for more information.
Blood Donation Facts
- 1 in 3 people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets.
- 1 car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- 1,100 donors a day are needed to have a stable 3-day supply within Carter BloodCare’s service area (Central, North and East Texas)
- 600-800 patients need a blood transfusion within Carter BloodCare’s service area.
- 600+ blood drives per month are needed to help meet hospital demand within Carter BloodCare’s service area.
- There are many benefits to donating blood.
- Summer is the most challenging time for Carter BloodCare to meet hospital needs: 25% of the blood supply is collected at high schools.
Please visit the Carter BloodCare or American Red Cross websites for additional information.
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Giroir at [email protected].
