Today is World Blood Donor Day! This year’s theme is “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives.” We urge everyone who meets the donor criteria to join us in answering Jeffrey’s pleas for us to “Do Something!” by donating blood today, and whenever you can in the future.

Just one pint of blood can save the lives of up to three people! Blood is one of the main elements of your immune system and is made up of several different components: plasma (55%), platelets and white blood cells (<1%), and red blood cells (44%). Now, more than ever, all blood types are needed to help patients and support lifesaving treatments and transfusions for people of all ages.

There are different types of blood donation: whole blood, power red, platelet, and plasma, to name a few. The most common type of blood donation is whole blood, which is usually used for transfusions, trauma patients, and burns. For patients with Primary Immunodeficiency, plasma can make the difference between life and death. Plasma cannot be made artificially in a lab and can only be obtained from healthy donors who generously give their time to donate the gift of life. 

During a plasma donation, whole blood is removed, and plasma is collected and separated through a process called plasmapheresis. The remaining blood components are returned to the donor. According to the New York Blood Center, you can donate whole blood every 8 weeks, automated red cells every 16 weeks, platelets every 3 days up to 24 times each year, and plasma every 28 days. Signing up for a donation is a fantastic way to Do Something!

Here are some other ways you can support people living with rare disease by “Doing Something!”

  • Organize a blood drive near you
  • Share your experience as a blood donor with friends and family
  • Sign up for recurring appointments at your local blood donation facility

Consider signing up to donate plasma, which makes up 55% of our blood, to directly impact treatments for PI patients!
To find a blood donation center near you, visit  https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive.