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Once again, the theme for this year's campaign, "Give
Blood…The Gift of Life," highlights the importance of
giving the gift of life through the donation of blood. A
television and radio public service announcement (PSA) featuring
musical sensation Marc Anthony will air nationally. AABB is
offering blood collection facilities the opportunity to purchase
these new PSAs at a minimal fee, so facilities can work with
their local television and radio stations to make copies and
insert voiceovers instructing potential donors to contact a
specific blood bank facility. To purchase a copy online, visit
the AABB Bookstore: www.aabb.org/marketplace/marketplace.htm
and search for "PSAs."
January is usually a difficult month for blood centers to
collect blood donations, due to fewer people donating during the
holidays, poor weather, and more people getting sick. A
reduction in turnout can put blood inventory at a critical low.
In some parts of the country, blood centers are currently on
critical appeal.
There is a continuous need for blood and most individuals do
not realize that donated blood has a short shelf life -
approximately 42 days for Red Blood Cells - which means that our
blood supply needs to be constantly replenished. Our nation has
a continuing critical need for blood throughout the year and our
challenge is to keep meeting this need every day.
If you are at least 17 years of age (some states permit
younger people to donate with parental consent), weigh at least
110 pounds and are in good health, you may be eligible to donate
blood. Celebrate NVBDM with the AABB by "Giving the Gift of
Life" and encouraging others to donate as well.
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