About the only thing I do on a regular basis that makes me feel like a hero is give blood. I’ve been donating regularly (four to six times a year) for the past forty years.
Blood donation in the U.S. sees about 7 million donors annually, with only ~3% of eligible people donating yearly, despite needing 38,000-plus donations daily for patients needing blood every 2 seconds, highlighting a critical gap between supply and demand, especially for rare types like O-negative.
Donor demographics show a greater reliance on older adults, with younger donors declining, and disparities exist, as minority donors are underrepresented compared to patient needs, particularly for conditions like sickle cell disease.
When I last donated I was struck by the number and diversity of donors. I’m sure the Red Cross blood donation center in Layton where I donated was full of folks from all sides of the political spectrum, all kinds of ethnic and religious backgrounds, and yet everyone was in agreement why they were there: to be a hero. Queue the Nike swoosh: Just do It! Be a hero! Give blood!
Bob Smith, Pleasant View
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