PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Blood donations usually go down within the summertime, as a result of extra individuals are taking holidays or they’re out of their regular routine.

Nevertheless it’s additionally a time when extra blood is required.

One group says proper now there may be an pressing want for blood donors, particularly ones which can be Kind “O”.

About 37% of the U.S. inhabitants are “O+”, and about 7% are “O-” and “O-” is the common donor.

In order that’s the actual motive why they’re in so excessive demand as a result of these are almost certainly to be the kind of blood that’s going for use for transfusions, in hospitals, when there are emergencies and traumas.

It’s additionally used for infants, and NICUs, there are loads of makes use of for it.

“As a result of it’s a life-saving mission. Whenever you donate blood inside 2 to three days that blood donation goes to be going to a affected person in a hospital,” Pat Michaels, OneBlood Director of Media and Public Relations mentioned.

Even with the necessity, there are some necessities individuals should meet.

“Mainly you need to be (not less than) 110 kilos, 16 years or older. 16 and 17-year-olds want permission from a dad or mum, however there’s no higher age restrict to donating blood,” Michaels mentioned.

Based on Michaels, the blood donating course of is pretty easy.

“Whenever you are available, we’ll undergo a pre-check. Examine and take your vitals, and also you’ll have a screening to see in the event you’re in a position to donate blood. Most individuals are,” Michaels mentioned.

“I began with Desert Storm, there was a necessity in our group as a result of the army couldn’t donate. That they had to put it aside for themselves. So our banks bought low. So I began with blood,” Lisha Hawthorne, a OneBlood Donator mentioned.

Alongside blood donations, Hawthorne additionally helps by platelet donations.

“It’s a factor I do for my group. It stays in our group and I do it for our group,” Hawthorne mentioned.

Medical professionals can use the donated platelets to assist most cancers sufferers.

Hawthorne says she’s completely happy to donate to a superb trigger.

“I attempt to common each two weeks. Platelets you are able to do not less than each two weeks. And I’m a triple donator, so I give numerous platelets,” Hawthorne mentioned.

As a triple donor, she’s in a position to assist three sufferers. She’s donated as much as 42 gallons already.

Hawthorne says she tries to get as many individuals as she will to return out and donate, she even brings her granddaughter some days.

To discover a donation location head over to oneblood.org or name 1-888-936-6283.

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