“Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illness, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.” – American Red Cross
Several employees from the Liberty County Board of Commissioners recently celebrated milestones for blood donation. The folks at the Liberty County Board of Commissioners Office think that donating blood is the most precious gift of life that you can give to a fellow human being. They want people to learn how vital it is to donate and why some people may not be eligible to give.
One reason certain people aren’t able to donate is because of certain diseases donors may have had in the past. Sometimes it comes down to geography as some areas are excluded from being on a donor’s list.
Here are some facts about who can donate blood.
According to the American Red Cross, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells, 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma are needed every day just in the U.S.
On average, a red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units and each year nearly 21 million blood components are transfused.
There are 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. affected by sickle cell and each year 1,000 babies are born with the disease. Everyone affected by sickle cell will need blood transfusions throughout their lives. In addition there are roughly 1.7 million cancer patients that need blood during treatments. A single car accident victim can require 100 pints of blood.
Blood donations
saves lives.
According to Stridehealth.com, three lives can be saved with one blood donation. Adults have 8 to 12 pints of blood in their body. When you donate blood they typically only take one pint of blood. After the donation your body will replenish the blood that has been donated.
Not only does donating blood help to save lives, but it also has psychological and physical benefits for the donor. According to Rasmussen.edu volunteering has positive effects on happiness, can reduce the risk of depression, can help your liver stay healthy (out with the old in with the new) and reduce harmful iron stores.
Liberty County has some amazing life-saving employees. They recently had an opportunity to celebrate these “heroes” who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.
• Jamie Henderson (Child Support) potentially saved 37 people with her 13 blood donations, which is 1 gallon and 2.5 quarts of blood.
• Lydia Moran (Magistrate Court) potentially saved 36 people with her 12 blood donations, which is 1 gallon and 2 quarts of blood.
• Donovan McMillan (Retired; Building & Maintenance) donated a whopping 20 times, which is 2.5 gallons of blood, potentially saving 60 people.
• Maria Tart (Finance) donated 33 times, which is 4 gallons and 1 pint of blood, potentially saving 99 people.
• Shana Skipper (Child Support) donated 16 times, which is 2 gallons of blood, potentially saving 48 people.
These employees were recognized by Cindi Bauer, American Red Cross representative, and given a certificate of appreciation at the annual LIVE Well awards celebration on Jan. 7.
LIVE Well is Liberty County’s employee wellness program. LIVE is an acronym for Liberty Inspires Vibrant Employees.
The program’s objectives are to improve the overall well-being of our work-force, foster positive employee morale and relationships, reduce health care costs for employees and Liberty County, and invest in employees who invest in the County.
The folks at the Liberty County Board of Commissioner are asking the public to join them at their next blood drive on Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The blood drive will be hosted by the Sheriff’s Office at the Liberty County Justice Center in the Jury Assembly Room. The address is 201 S Main Street, Hinesville, GA 31313. To schedule an appointment at this or other area blood drives, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.