Give the gift of life – blood

Those hard-pressed for gift ideas can consider donating blood, the gift of life, this holiday season.
According to the New York Blood Center, winter holidays are a time when blood supplies diminish while patient needs remain the same.
An eligible donor can give one whole pint of blood every 56 days. Anyone who is at least 16-years-old, weighs 110 pounds, is in good health and meets all Food & Drug Administration and New York State Department of Health donor criteria can donate.
Those who aren’t eligible may consider volunteering at a blood drive, or hosting their own. Drives can be hosted by any individual, company, place of worship or community organization. Students who host summer blood drives can receive special community service scholarships from the New York Blood Center.
December is Aplastic Anemia Awareness Month. According to the New York Blood Center, Aplastic Anemia is a rare condition where the patient’s bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets for the body. It can affect people of any age and those with severe cases are at risk for life-threatening infections and bleeding. It is treated through transfusions of donated blood and platelets, which patients rely on to keep them alive.
December 1-7 was also Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week. MDS, or Myelodysplastic Syndromes, are a group of diseases in which bone marrow does not make enough normal blood cells for the body. Red blood cells, white blood cells and/or platelets may all be affected. MDS ranges from being mild and easily managed to being life-threatening, and in some cases can develop into acute myelogenous leukemia.
People who donate this December can make sure there is a ready supply of blood for those stricken with Aplastic Anemia, MDS and other serious conditions.