Needing Blood

Most of us will require a blood transfusion at some point in our lives. Blood Centers of the Pacific provides needed blood for a population of more than 2.2 million. To do this, BCP needs approximately 500 pints of blood daily.

In order to assure that patients who need blood can have access to it immediately, there must be a ready supply on hospital shelves. After natural disasters and other tragedies, people tend to donate more blood. However, it is the people who donate regularly whose blood saves lives during emergency situations because it is there waiting on the hospital shelves.

Major Reasons Patients Need Blood

• Cancer treatment
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Disease of the gastrointestinal tract
• Emergencies such as auto accidents and burns
• Organ transplant
• Marrow transplant
• Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia

All Blood Types Are Needed

To best meet patient needs, you are encouraged to donate the following if your blood type is:

A
1st choice: Platelets
2nd choice: Double red cell
3rd choice: Whole Blood

B
1st choice: Platelets
2nd choice: Double red ell
3rd choice: Whole blood

AB
1st choice: Plasma
2nd choice: Platelets
3rd choice: Whole blood

O
1st choice: Double red cell
2nd choice: Whole blood
3rd choice: Platelets