Mid-Missouri in need of blood donations

Mid-Missouri is in critical need of blood donations this time of year.

According to the American Red Cross, 38% of the population is eligible to donate, but less than 8% actually do. The winter months serve as another hurdle.

“It’s very critical because our patients don’t get a vacation, but we do,” said Jennifer Books, Account Manager for the organization. “We take a vacation, we’re on holiday, we’re on break, we’re busy. We also tend to get sick more, we also tend to get inclement weather.”

For those on the fence about donating, Books said it only takes a single pinch to save lives. She knows firsthand.

“When I was eight years old, my mother actually had a routine surgery and almost bled to death on the table,” said Books. “She lived because she received three units of blood. That little pinch right there saved my mom’s life.”

If you can’t give blood at your local drive, the organization encourages you to give your time.

“We realize that not everyone can donate, but everyone can volunteer,” said Books “If you’re not eligible to donate, find someone to donate in your place.”

Once blood is donated, its red cells have a shelf life of 42 days while its platelets only have a shelf life of five days.

If you’re interested in donating to your community, click here and type in your zip code in the top right corner.