Editorial: The blood you give sustains the life we lead
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For blood to do its job, you have to have enough to stay in circulation.
That goes for blood inside the body — taking oxygen from the lungs to the heart and back again. It also goes for the blood that circulates out in the world.
Having enough blood to keep hospitals and emergency services doing their vital work is more than just a medical issue. It’s a social service, keeping the doors open in the facilities that communities depend upon to keep them healthy.
It’s also a critical economic component. People learned in 2020 how important it is to the hospitals and everyone they employ to be able to perform all manner of nonemergency functions, such as elective and planned surgery that can still require blood availability.
But the thing about circulation is there has to be enough in the system to go around.
That is why we regularly hear from the American Red Cross and other medical providers about blood shortages, with the public being urged to roll up their sleeves and give.
One of those shortages is going on right now. That isn’t unusual in the summer, when blood reserves often dip. But the provider Vitalant, which keeps UPMC and Allegheny Health Network hospitals supplied, was heading into the Fourth of July weekend with just two days worth of the type O blood — the universal donor blood that is so important for trauma responses.
“This is a severe shortage, and every single one of us can play a role in helping others, whether it’s a trauma victim or cancer patient,” said Lisa Landis, a Red Cross spokeswoman. “It just takes an hour of your time to make a difference.”
Fewer than 10% of those who can donate do donate. Increasing those numbers could save lives.
If you are in good health, over 18 — or 16 with parental permission — and at least 110 pounds, you can donate blood every two months or so. There are no restrictions on donation if you have had covid-19 or are vaccinated.
The biggest requirement is a giving heart. If you can donate, please do. If you can’t, please encourage others to do so.