Help spread the word about blood donation
10/6/2022
Every 10 minutes someone in Olmsted County needs blood.
Contrary to widely held belief, blood products do more than just help trauma patients. Blood products are used in everyday patient care — helping premature babies, postpartum mothers, and cancer and surgical patients. No matter if a patient receives whole blood, double red cells, platelets or plasma, their healing starts with someone donating blood.
Many people want to donate blood, but they cannot. Only 37% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood. You may be deferred from donating blood due to health conditions, medications or travel.
But do not let a deferral stop you from helping. Your advocacy for blood donation can make a significant impact.
Here are ways you can help without donating:
- Share social media posts and stories about blood donation.
- Pass on the urgent need for donors to your family, friends and neighbors.
- Organize a blood drive where you work or at a community organization.
- Set up a blood donation challenge for a group you are a part of.
- Tell others about the importance of blood donation.
Every blood donation helps save up to three lives. Imagine how many lives you can help when you organize a blood drive.
Although 37% of the U.S. population can donate blood, less than 10% of those people choose to donate blood annually. For this reason, your help — and your voice — are needed to spread the word about the importance of blood donation. In whatever way you give, you will have the gratitude of the people receiving a lifesaving blood donation.
If you know people who would like to donate blood, have them call the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program at 507-284-4475, or contact the program by email. Scheduling an appointment to donate blood is easy and helps ensure that blood is available for a loved one or other patients in need.
Be sure to watch for more incentives by visiting the Blood Donor Program blog, the Minnesota Blood Donor Program website or Facebook page.
Here's where and when you can donate:
- Hilton Building, First floor, downtown
This location is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is open until 7 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. - Joseph Building M-86, Saint Marys Campus
This location is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.