A resolution to save lives
MORE MEN ARE URGED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN 2019 BY BECOMING BLOOD DONORS
MEN in Burton and South Derbyshire are being urged to match women in making becoming a blood donor their New Year’s resolution.
New figures reveal more than twice as many women as men in England became New Year blood donors in 2018, with 13,719 women registering last January to become blood donors, compared to only 6,092 men.
Donors of every gender are welcomed by NHS Blood and Transplant.
However, men’s blood can contain fewer antibodies against red and white blood cells because women often make these antibodies during pregnancy. This means male blood can be more suitable for creating blood products used to treat patients. Mike Stredder, director of Blood Donation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “It’s vital more men start donating blood because their Sessions at including Village Hall (inset) held blood is used to provide life-saving products like plasma and platelets – to save victims of burns, car crashes and treat to patients with cancer.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our female donors. But we need men to catch up with recent recruitment because their blood can have different characteristics which can make it important in certain situations.” Giving blood is quick and easy and just one donation can save or improve the lives of three people in need of a blood transfusion.
More than 200,000 new donors are needed to give blood every year across England to replace those who can no longer donate regularly. Sessions are held at: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Burton; The Pingle School, Swadlincote; Gresley Hall Community Centre; and Barton under Needwood Village Hall.
To make, view and change appointments, call 0300 123 23 23, use the GiveBlood app, or go online at www.blood.co.uk