Health and Fitness : Consider Helping those in need, Donate Blood May 22

Virginia Gay Hospital will hold a blood drive on May 22, 2026, 11:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. See flyer below for details!

What month did President Richard Nixon declare National Blood Donor Month? January.

How many miles do blood cells travel in your body? Blood cells travel approximately 70,000 miles every 20 seconds.

What part of the human body does not access the body’s blood supply? The human cornea extracts oxygen directly from the air, so it does not access the body’s blood supply.

What is the probability that an individual will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime? If a person lives to age 72, there is a 90% chance he or she will have a need for blood or blood products.

How many units of blood did President Ronald Reagan require after an assassination attempt? 12 total units – 8 units of red blood cells, 3 units of plasma, and 1 unit of platelets. Over a dozen strangers helped save his life through blood donation!

In what major war in the United States were the first two transfusion events recorded? In the Civil War, a syringed direct transfusion was successfully performed on two occasions. Blood groups weren’t identified at this time, so the odds of a successful transfusion were attributed more to luck rather than skill!

What is an essential when the president travels? Among other things, the presidential state car features a blood bank of the president’s blood type.

YOU COULD BE THE LIFESAVING LINK!

Donate blood – Donating blood is an easy process! Blood donors will save up to three local hospital patients with each donation, which includes: registration, a questionnaire, mini-physical, and finally, the donation itself! Typically the donation process takes 5-10 minutes. Afterward you’ll enjoy snacks and refreshments. Plus, each time you donate blood, you earn online store points that you can redeem for cool gear! To schedule your lifesaving appointment, visit Donor Portal - LifeServe Blood Center

Host a blood drive – We’re always looking for new blood drive opportunities! We collect 50% of our blood products in a mobile environment. We make it simple & easy! To host a blood drive visit lifeservebloodcenter.org/host-a-drive