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Making a difference in life

November 24, 2009 | san diego, California | Vetting explained

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ChrisMorrow

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CNN producer note

ChrisMorrow told me, 'I gave blood and thought this was a story that needs to be told.'
- hhanks, CNN iReport producer

iReport —

The Chargers Blood Drive #31 is the longest running and most successful life-saving event of the year. Check out the video.

 

Facts about donating blood:

 

+ People who have been in car accidents and suffered blood loss can need 50 units or more of blood.

 

+ Much of Today's medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors.

 

+ Every two seconds someone needs blood

 

+ Approximately 32,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States.

 

+ Anyone who is in good health, is at least 17 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days.

 

+ The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. the entire process, from when you sign in to the time you leave, takes about an hour.

 

+ Giving blood will not decrease your strength.

 

+ Children being treated for cancer, premature infants, and children having heart surgery need blood of all types.

 

+ If you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached age 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood.

 

+ About 3 gallons of blood supports the entire nation's blood needs for one minute.

 

+ 60% of the US population is eligible to donate - only 5% do on a yearly basis.

 

+ Since a pint is a pound, you lose a pound every time you donate blood.

 

Video by: Chris Morrow

 

Follow Chris on Twitter: www.twitter.com/morrowchris

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