Save 3 Lives In Just 1 Hour This Tuesday

Although we often like to think of ourselves as independent and self-sufficient individuals, the truth is, humans depend on each other for … well, just about everything.  This includes jobs, food, shelter, love, affection and blood. 

Yes, blood. 

According to America’s Blood Centers, most Americans will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. Furthermore, someone needs blood every two seconds, and there is no substitution for human blood.

You can do your part – even for a single day – by “celebrating the gift of blood” by being part of World Blood Donor Day.  Land O' Lakes residents can conveniently visit the Blood Center location at 5319 Village Market in Wesley Chapel.

Hosted by Nexcare brand bandages, in partnership with America’s Blood Centers (locally, Florida Blood Services), the third annual nationwide initiative will raise awareness, encourage involvement, and inspire action on a single day, Tuesday, June 14. 

“World Blood Donor Day gives us all the opportunity to reflect on how blood is a universal need and one that few people give so that others may live. America has the safest blood supply in the world. In some third world countries, people die all the time due to a lack of blood being available, particularly women and children,” said Daniel J. Eberts, corporate communications manager for Florida Blood Services.

According to Eberts, Type O blood is the most common and most used. Types O negative, A negative, and B Negative are usually what they are short of most of the time as they are not as common. Blood donations are welcome from all people in good health, age 16 and older who weigh at least 110 pounds.  (Click on this link to gauge whether you are a candidate for blood donation.)

A recent press release from Florida Blood Services and 3M (parent company to Nexcare Brand), stated that limited edition Nexcare bandages imprinted with the word “give” will be distributed throughout the week of June 14-19, and serve as a “badge of honor” for blood donors while serving as a representation of the cause.  

Although blood is needed 365 days a year, the event couldn’t come at a better time. During the summer months, the nation’s blood supply significantly decreases as a result of due of vacation schedules and other seasonal distractions.

FBS officials say that high school students comprise the largest demographic of donors in our community, donating more than 15 percent of the blood that is needed during the school year. When summer arrives, those donations significantly decrease due to vacation plans.  

And don’t forget the wrath of Mother Nature, who has unleashed her fury across the nation these past few months, leaving behind a widespread trail of mayhem and misery. Though dangerous weather has yet to wreak havoc on the Sunshine State, hurricane season just started two weeks ago, with an “above normal” outlook predicted by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a division of the National Weather Service).

“When tragedy strikes, blood that is on the shelf is what saves lives. Part of being prepared for the hurricane season in Florida is having a good blood supply of all types. Once disaster happens or a storm is on its way, people affected do not have time to donate then,” said Eberts.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “helping save a life is always in style,” Nexcare brand will be donating a collection of five stylish bandages featuring patterns as: chevron, plaid, gingham, zebra and “classic.”

“Now in our third year, our goal is to spread the program’s message even further with an eye-catching collection of bandages and new online tools that we hope will inspire people to share the message and encourage others to get involved,” said Luiz Castro, global business manager, Nexcare Brand, 3M Consumer Health Care Division.

One of those online tools Castro is referring to is a specially designated Facebook page, where visitors can share their story, and sign a pledge to donate blood on World Blood Donor Day.  Nexcare has vowed to donate $10,000 in the name of the top five people whose blood donation pledges have the most supporters on the social networking site by July 31, 2011. The money will go to the Foundation for America’s Blood Centers.

Founded in 1994, Florida Blood Services is a nonprofit operating exclusively on funds donated from individuals, businesses and organizations, foundations, grants and fundraising events. 

As a leading member of America’s Blood Centers, FBS has been designated one of seven military “hubs” to help provide for the blood needs of our U.S. troops.

Almost 120 medical facilities across five Tampa Bay counties – Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk – depend on FBS for whole blood, blood products and services.  The organization amasses 850 pints of blood and platelets on a daily basis which is dispersed among 44 hospitals and almost 100 ambulatory care centers.

Other facts (supplied by FBS):

• Less than ten percent of Americans donate blood annually
• 93 million pints were collected last year worldwide; 14 million in the United State
• If just one percent more of Americans donated, the national blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future
• One person can save up to three lives with a single donation
• Donors can give whole blood up to six times a year

“Most of us will need to receive transfusions of red cells, plasma or platelets at some point in our lifetime. If we are lucky enough to not need it, someone we know and love will.  When we are healthy and able we need to “pay it forward” so that it is available when needed most,” said Eberts.

Help support blood donors and blood recipients by making a lifesaving charitable donation on June 14 at the Florida Blood Center location at 5319 Village Market in Wesley Chapel (or any other in the Tampa Bay area). For more information about the Wesley Chapel donor center, call 813-929-6500. 

To research another convenient donor center and/or bloodmobile in another neighborhood, please visit www.fbsblood.org or calling 1-800-68 BLOOD (25663).

To learn more about Nexcare brand, receive more information or to request additional bandages at no cost, visit their website at www.nexcaregive.com.