Blood donors, someone is thankful for you
Blood donors share life. And for that, thousands of people in our community are thankful that blood donors give so generously. During a month that’s already filled with reminders of gratitude, The Blood Connection wants to thank our loyal platelet donors with a t-shirt they can wear loud and proud.
For the entire month of November, platelet donors will receive a special “thankful” t-shirt in addition to the regular gift card.
We hope the shirt reminds platelet donors to be thankful for their ability to donate, while also letting the community know that a blood recipient is thankful for them. In a world filled with so much chaos, stopping to be thankful can do a lot of good. To our donors, thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
So let’s talk about platelets. What are they? Platelets are small fragments in our blood that help stop bleeding. Platelets may be tiny, but they’re POWERFUL. They’re little life-savers for the many brave people who are battling cancer. Chances are, someone you know came to mind. Cancer treatments can reduce patients’ platelet counts, which isn’t a good thing. That’s where our loyal donors come in! Thanks to platelet donations, patients are able to get back the platelets their bodies need to get better. While platelets are primarily used to help cancer patients, others benefit from them too, like people with rare blood diseases or transplant patients.
QUICK FACTS
-Small cell fragments in the blood that help stop or prevent bleeding
-Made in our bone marrow
-Shelf life is only 5 days
-Used most commonly for surgeries, transplants, and cancer treatments
If you’ve donated whole blood before, donating platelets is similar but it takes a little longer. The process can only be done in a center. Through one needle stick and a fancy machine, your blood is drawn and the platelets are filtered out. The rest of your blood components are then given back to you through the same needle. It takes about an hour and a half. Feel free to enjoy your favorite TV shows and snacks on us! Donations can only be made at a TBC Center. Please call your local center or 864-751-1168 with any questions or to make an appointment. Appointments are recommended.
MORE INFO: Click here for a little more explanation about what donation type is best for your blood type.
Centers are open M-F 7a-7p and on the weekends 7-5pm. Blood donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years old or 16 with written parental consent. Donors must bring a valid photo ID. Platelet donations can only be done after at least one whole blood donation.
Click the button below to find a donation center near you.
