Giving of Life

Every day places around the US hold blood drive. Blood is needed in a hospital every three seconds; the most common reasons for the need are cancer, heart and blood vessel disease, emergencies such as car accidents, or for surgeries. The need for blood is constant, and blood banks often find themselves in a shortage. This should not happen.. Donating blood only takes at most half an hour. In return the donor gets a sticker, a cookie, and the satisfaction that they made a difference. That small pint that they give can in fact help save up to three lives. So if you are 17, and over 110 pounds you should highly consider rolling up your sleeve and giving blood this year.
Although giving blood is simple, the distribution is delicate. There are four types of blood- A, B, AB, and O. In addition there is a rhesus factor which occurs in some blood. All types are always in need, the AB+ blood type is the universal recipient, whereas B is one of the least common. O- is also uncommon and can be used as a universal donor. Due to the different types of blood, it is more critical for everyone to donate their blood at least once in their life. 4.5 million Americans would die each year without the eligible citizens who donate. This basic act of giving to a community blood bank is the simplest form of giving back to the world. Although the person giving the blood may not know whom their gift may save, they walk away knowing that they saved at least one life.
As the years go on the most loyal generation of donors, the World War II generations, are reaching the point where they can no longer donate. It is up to us the community, as the young, to step forward and do our patriotic duty and roll up our own sleeves. Every community would do well to donate and hold a blood drive to teach people the importance of giving blood and to help those in their desperate hours. Lets show the world the power of its people and our generosity to give the power of life.