|
BETHLEHEM (Feb 7) –
Every student learns that blood
is comprised of red blood cells,
platelets, and plasma. But, State
Senator Lisa M. Boscola believes
that high-school students should
also learn that one-pint of donated
blood will save the lives of three
people.
Boscola recently introduced a bill
calling for 11th and 12th
grade students throughout the
Commonwealth to learn about the
importance of donating blood as part
of their health class curriculum.
While 60% of the population in the
United States meets the criteria to
donate blood, only
about 5% of eligible men and women
choose to donate, according to
Boscola.
“Quite simply, there’s a lack of
knowledge when it comes to donating
blood,” Boscola said. “But, in this
case, a lack of knowledge can be
dangerous and sometimes fatal.”
Blood centers need to maintain a
constant 7-10 day supply to avert a
crisis and to ensure that blood is
available for patients wherever and
whenever needed.
Winter months are usually the
hardest time of the year for local
blood banks and hospitals to keep an
adequate supply of blood on hand.
In past winters, Boscola said, blood
supplies across Pennsylvania and the
nation have dropped dangerously
low—to the point that some hospitals
were forced to cancel elective
surgeries.
“The only way to avoid blood
shortages in the future is to
educate potential donors at an early
age and to encourage more people to
donate blood,” Boscola said. “We
need to start educating our young
citizens about the benefits of
giving back to their community by
donating blood and volunteering in
blood donation programs.”
Blood centers across Pennsylvania
share a concern that while they have
stringent measures in place to
ensure a safe blood supply, there is
a constant need to meet transfusion
needs of patients in Pennsylvania
hospitals.
“We all lead busy lives today,”
Boscola said. “But, there is no
better gift to your community than
donating blood. By giving just one
hour of your time, you can literally
save the lives of three people.”
|
