JJC’s Office of Student Activities coordinated another successful blood drive on Thursday, April 13. Students and faculty members donated blood and enjoyed complimentary refreshments afterwards. Every three seconds, someone in America needs blood. The American Red Cross works to meet this need by facilitating volunteer blood donation programs, serving over 3,000 hospitals in the U.S.

The need for blood donations is growing. According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, the number of blood transfusions increases at a rate of 6 percent a year. The limited shelf life of blood also adds to the increased need for donations. Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection, donated platelets within 5 days of collection (American Red Cross).

Donating blood is an easy way to make a difference. One donation (about one pint of blood) can help as many as three patients in need. After the donation process, blood is separated into its components, which include red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each can be used for different purposes, such as aiding trauma victims, premature infants, and cancer patients.

Volunteers can donate once every 56 days. Therefore, an eligible donor giving every 56 days until the age of 76 would donate a total of 48 gallons of blood.

The donation process is simple, involving a quick mini-physical, donation, and refreshments. The actual donation takes less than 10 minutes. Before donating, the American Red Cross advises the intake extra fluids and foods rich in iron, while avoiding caffeine and fatty foods.

The Office of Student Activities could not be reached to comment on student donation statistics.