Blood Services

• Did you know? *The American Red Cross supplies approximately 45% of the nation’s blood supply *Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood *Shortages of all blood types usually occur during the summer and winter holidays *Only 5% of healthy Americans donate blood *The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O. *Type O- is the universal type, meaning this blood can be given to people of all blood types. Only 7% of people in the U.S. have O- blood type *People with AB+ blood type are universal donors of plasma, the liquid portion of blood *45% of people in the U.S. have type O (+/-) blood. This percentage is higher among Hispanics (57%) and among African Americans (51%)

  Links Top 10 Reasons to Donate Blood Blood Donation Eligibility Guidelines Blood Donation Process Tips for a Good Donation

• What We Do Each year, Red Cross volunteers help collect more than 6 million units of blood from more than 4 million volunteer blood donors. These donations amount to nearly half the nation's blood supply and help save countless lives. To get the most out of each unit donated, the Red Cross processes the blood into various components. The Red Cross then distributes this processed blood to help treat people suffering from many types of blood-related conditions, including hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and leukemia. In addition. Red Cross scientists are continually doing research and testing blood for signs of infectious diseases, including the AIDS (HlV) antibody, to ensure the safest blood and blood products we can provide. Other Red Cross blood services include: * Offering patients the opportunity to donate their own blood for certain kinds of surgery. * Identifying and recruiting healthy blood donors to help ensure an adequate blood supply. * Educating physicians and patients about blood and the latest techniques in blood transfusions. * Conducting research to help improve the safety and therapeutic benefits of blood. * Maintaining a national registry of thousands of volunteer donors who provide rare blood types to meet emergency needs. * Lending technical assistance to hospitals, their blood banks, and medical staffs.