State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) donated his 120th pint of blood on October 21st at Mater Dei’s blood drive. The average human body contains approximately 10 pints of blood, Representative Meier’s 120th pint donation means that he has donated his entire blood supply 12 times since he began his first donation.
“I’m always happy to give blood, I donate five to six times a year,” said Rep. Meier. “My blood is O positive which is in high demand and is necessary for critical trauma care. Donating blood helps save lives, I encourage more people to donate by locating their nearest blood drive today.”
According to the American Red Cross, latest studies have shown that someone in the US needs a blood transfusion every 2 seconds each day in the United States. The average person can only donate 1 pint of whole blood in a single donation and the shelf life is 42 days, which is why the need to keep replenishing the supply to meet demand is great. Only 38% of the population in the United State are eligible to donate blood, but only 3% donate.
If you are interested in donating blood today, you may locate your nearest blood drive by visiting redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).