Looking for a good deed to do, that doesn’t cost you a thing, takes very little time, and can actually save lives?  How about donating blood?

 

On Friday, April 18th, between 1:00 and 7:00 PM, at Calvary Tabernacle at 69 Myrtle Street in Cranford, blood donations will be very gratefully and expertly taken.   And all you have to do is make sure to drink plenty of water before and after donating, bring ID and a list of any medications you take, wear comfortable clothing, and then lie back and relax.

 

It’s such a simple thing, but it is SO important!

 

Here are some facts about the need for blood donations, as taken from the Red Cross website:

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.

More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day.

A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 pints.

The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

The blood used in an emergency is already on the shelves before the event occurs.

Sickle cell disease affects more than 70,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

More than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood.

 

It’s probably the easiest possible way to help your fellow man.  And the need for blood is always a “There but for the grace of God go I” thing.  And giving blood creates good karma.   Because you’ll never know when you might have to be on the receiving end of this life-giving gift.