CIRI’s Nov. 13 blood drive collected 20 units of blood

CIRI’s Nov. 13 blood drive collected 20 units of blood from 21 donors. Blood Bank of Alaska officials say that blood could potentially save the lives of 60 Alaskans.

Please watch for announcements about CIRI’s next blood drive later this winter. Here are some reasons to donate:

*More than four million Americans per year need blood transfusions
*Almost 95 percent of the population will need blood or a blood product before they turn 72
*32,000 blood donors are needed each day throughout the United States
*The Blood Bank of Alaska provides blood to 23 hospitals in Alaska
*One blood donation can help three hospital patients
*In Alaska, fewer than 5 percent of eligible donors give blood.
*There is no substitute for human blood
*The Blood Bank of Alaska needs 2,200 donations monthly to serve hospital patients in Alaska

Donating blood takes 20 to 30 minutes. Anyone in good health (no colds or flu) between the ages of 18 to 74 may donate blood. Visit www.bloodbankofalaska.org for more information.

Thanks to everyone who rolled up his or her sleeves to support this vital community need.