Save a life and donate blood today

Action is safe and easy, and important all year long

Donating blood saves lives. It’s a fact that we all know, yet often people leave that duty to others to fulfill.

The reality is, donated blood only has a shelf life of 42 days, according to United Blood Services, which is holding a series of blood drives in the coming weeks in Yuma County.

People tend to donate in the aftermath of tragedy, such as disastrous floods, devastating wildfires, or heartbreaking shootings or car accidents.

But in the holiday months, people often focus on other priorities.

However, the American Red Cross reports that in the U.S., every two seconds, someone needs blood.

Nearly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed each day in the U.S., as are nearly 7,000 units of platelets and 10,000 units of plasma, the Red Cross reports.

In fact, a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood. The need is tremendous. But donating is easy. The process is safe and simple, and the actual donation itself usually takes 10-12 minutes.

Those who donate make a difference in the community, having a tremendous impact on those who need it the most.

Consider donating this month at the following blood drives, held by United Blood Services. To donate in San Luis: • Nov. 18, 8:30 a.m.— 1 p.m., 800 E. Juan Sanchez Boulevard, Fernando Padilla Community Center Or, donate in Yuma: • Nov. 13, 10 a.m.— 2 p.m., Arizona Western Science Club, 2020 S Ave 8E, Schoening Conference Center 3C Bldg

• Nov. 14, 10 a.m.— 2 p.m., Arizona Western Science Club, 2020 S Ave 8E, Schoening Conference Center 3C Bldg

• Nov. 15, 8 a.m.—12 p.m., Kofa High School, 3100 Avenue A, Gym

• Nov. 17, 10 a.m.— 2 p.m., Yuma County Health Services District, 2200 W. 28th St., Auditorium

• Nov. 21, 10 a.m.— 2 p.m., Yuma Regional Medical Center, 399 W. 32nd St., Corporate Center Kokapelli Conference Room

• Nov. 22, 9 a.m.—1 p.m., Yuma Regional Medical Center, 399 W. 32nd St., Corporate Center Kokapelli Conference Room