Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Each day, patients across the country receive approximately 39,000 units of this lifesaving resource. This year alone, as many as five million patients will require blood transfusions, as accident victims, people undergoing surgery, and patients receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer and other diseases.
January is National Blood Donor Month. Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley recently issued a statement encouraging Marylanders to give blood.
“Particularly following the holiday season, when donations typically decline, it is important to make blood donation a habit,” states Governor O’Malley. “It is our civic responsibility to ensure that our friends, neighbors and even ourselves and members of our own families can rely on a stable blood supply should they require a transfusion. There is no such thing as a spare Marylanders and therefore all Marylanders are encouraged to learn more about giving blood and schedule a donation appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE.”
Sinai Hospital will host its first blood drive of the new year in Zamoiski Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 9, from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Schedule an appointment online with the American Red Cross, or call the Sinai Blood Bank at ext. 410-601-5112. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Do you give blood regularly? What advice do you have for a first-time donor?
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