Shreveport, LA (June 27, 2024) – LifeShare Blood Center is urging donors to include giving blood in their summer plans as part of their Annual United We Give campaign. The need for blood donations is critical during the summer months, particularly in July, which historically sees a higher demand for blood products.
A recent analysis by the Pew Research Center highlights that July 4th and 5th are the busiest days of the year for U.S. hospital emergency rooms, with nearly 10,000 more patients than any other two-day average. This spike is largely due to injuries from fireworks, with about one-third of these injuries being burns, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Burn patients use lots of blood products over long periods of time, especially red blood cells and plasma, due to the loss of red cells and clotting factors with these types of wounds,” explains Dr. Tim Peterson, Medical Director for LifeShare Blood Center. “Plasma and red blood cells are needed to maintain an adequate oxygen supply by the patient as they recover.”
A single blood donation can impact up to three people since whole blood donations are typically separated into individual components: red cells, platelets, and plasma. Unlike most other life-saving medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled. Red blood cells expire after only 42 days and platelets after just 7 days.
“We rely on each donation, each day, to meet the needs of our local patients and hospitals,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement at LifeShare Blood Center.
United We Give is an annual campaign hosted by LifeShare to anticipate and prepare for the seasonal decrease in blood donors. This year’s campaign runs from July 1st to 5th, and each donor will receive a $10 gift card for lunch and a limited-edition t-shirt. Raising Cane’s is partnering with LifeShare for this campaign.
Appointments for blood donations are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. To schedule your blood donation, visit www.lifeshare.org/give or learn more about the campaign at www.lifeshare.org/united.
About LifeShare Blood Center:
Established in 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, LifeShare Blood Center is a nonprofit blood collection agency dedicated to saving lives. With centers and blood drives across Louisiana, East Texas, and South Arkansas, LifeShare plays an integral role in the healthcare of these regions. Their mission is to connect donors and the lives they impact.
For more information, contact:
Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, LifeShare Blood Center
Phone: 318.671.5850
Email: mandi.johnson@lifeshare.org
