Blood donation is a crucial aspect of healthcare that often goes unnoticed by many people. However, the impact of donating blood can be life-saving for patients in need. French Hospital Medical Center ER Dr. Steven Bolen sheds light on the importance of blood donations in his line of work. He explains that donations are used for a variety of cases, including trauma, OBGYN hemorrhaging, and transfusions for patients with chronic conditions or cancer. Without an adequate supply of blood, hospitals could face critical shortages that could potentially be life-threatening for patients.
Dr. Bolen’s personal experience with cancer treatments as a child highlights the significance of blood donations in healthcare. He recalls needing blood transfusions during his surgeries and emphasizes how crucial it was for his treatment. This firsthand experience underscores the impact that blood donations can have on individuals in need of medical care.
At Adventist Health Sierra Vista, the need for blood is constant, especially in their trauma care unit. Elaina Whitaker, Sierra Vista Blood Bank Hematology and Coagulation Lead, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sufficient supply of blood products, particularly O-positive and O-negative blood types. She mentions that blood donations are used to treat patients of all ages, including NICU babies who require immediate transfusions to survive.
According to Vitalant, a significant portion of donated blood is used to treat patients with cancer. The timely availability of blood products is crucial for patients undergoing cancer treatments or surgeries. Red blood cells extracted from whole blood donations have a limited shelf life of 42 days, underscoring the need for a continuous supply of blood donations.
Whitaker mentions that Adventist Health Sierra Vista always keeps a stock of 50 units of red blood cells and over 45 units of frozen plasma on hand to meet the demands of their patients. This preparedness ensures that patients receive the necessary blood products when needed, without delays or shortages.
To encourage blood donation, Vitalant offers opportunities for individuals to schedule appointments to donate blood through their website. Additionally, community events like blood drives hosted by organizations such as the San Miguel Fire Department and Adventist Health provide convenient avenues for people to contribute to this life-saving cause.
In conclusion, blood donations play a vital role in healthcare by providing essential blood products for patients in need. The stories shared by healthcare professionals like Dr. Bolen and Elaina Whitaker highlight the impact of blood donations on individuals‘ lives. By donating blood, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of patients facing medical challenges. Consider donating blood today to help save lives in your community.