Why Donate?
One in three people will require a blood transfusion during their lifetime. Patients treated for cancer, newborns in the intensive care unit, and trauma victims are just a few examples those who rely on blood donations from healthy volunteers. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients who need blood transfusions.
When whole blood is donated, it is later separated into components, including red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. One donation can help up to three patients.
“Donating blood is a personal, meaningful gift that I give to others. I am giving a piece of myself to help someone else. That’s as good as it gets.” Barry Kingston, blood donor
The table below lists some common medical procedures and the corresponding number of blood units* required for that procedure:
Automobile accident | 50 units |
Stem Cell/Bone marrow transplant | 20 units |
Heart Surgery | 6 units |
Organ Transplant | 40 units |
*Average usage (source: America’s Blood Centers)
To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please call 617-732-6620, 888-LETSGIV, or email us at blooddonor@partners.org.
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