Your Blood Donation Could Be the Miracle that Transforms Hope into Survival

When every second counts, blood transfusions are a vital lifeline for patients — especially those suffering from significant trauma.

One of the most important advances in trauma medicine in recent history is the recognition that providing blood early can help save lives. By providing lifesaving blood en route to hospitals, emergency responders can help “buy” patients valuable time to get them the medical treatment they need — often saving lives that might otherwise be lost.

As a result, the Red Cross is seeing a higher demand for blood in these pre-hospital settings for trauma patients — whose survival may depend on universal type O blood products that are often in low supply, like they are today.

“Having blood products readily available to help patients in their moment of need is critical,” said Dr. Emily Coberly, Divisional Chief Medical Officer, American Red Cross. “Transfusing blood products to severely bleeding patients before they arrive at the hospital can improve their chance of survival. But this lifesaving care is only possible through the generosity of blood donors — especially those with type O blood, whose gift can be a lifeline in someone’s darkest hour.”

To help increase the availability of these high-demand blood products, the Red Cross is working with community partners to build a more diverse blood donor base that better reflects growing patient needs. For example, more than 50% of individuals of African or Latino descent have type O blood. That’s because blood type, like eye color, is an inherited trait passed on from parents. So as the nation becomes more diverse, the need for type O blood is increasing.

A decision to donate could be the miracle patients like Tracy Fox need

Last November, Tracy Fox stepped into a crosswalk and her life changed forever when she was hit from behind by a bus in Washington, DC. When she woke up in the hospital, she learned the damage was so extensive that an amputation was necessary. In the days following the accident, Tracy developed an infection, and her hemoglobin levels dropped so low that surgery wasn’t possible. Her doctors ordered a blood transfusion.

“That one unit of blood saved my life because I was able to have surgery, eliminate the infection and go on to recover,” she said. Tracy is living proof that every blood donation makes a profound difference.

“I received one unit of blood, but that ‘just one unit’ made the difference between life and death for me. I had a successful outcome because someone thought to go and donate that one unit of blood,” she continued. “It really can be one unit [of blood] that changes a person’s life in an instant. I’m especially grateful to that person who donated and changed my life — and all who donate.”

The accident, surgery and recovery experience have all been life-changing, she said, but also an opportunity to shift her perspective to focus on positivity and gratitude. On Dec. 26, Tracy will host a blood drive at American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington.

Regardless, whether a patient needs blood immediately in an ambulance, upon arrival at a hospital, or in the days following ongoing medical care, by giving blood, blood donors can help those impacted by unexpected trauma and many other medical needs. This holiday season, we urge you to give blood or platelets to help make a lifesaving difference for those in need. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment today.

Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 9-15, 2024, will receive a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. And those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 16-Jan.3, 2025, will receive an exclusive American Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on the T-shirt and $15 e-gift card, visit RedCrossBlood.org/gifts.