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Did you know that every two seconds, someone gets a blood transfusion for surgeries, accident injuries, or cancer or other life-threatening diseases?
The American Red Cross depends on volunteer donors to provide blood for our community. Donating in easy. Volunteer blood donors schedule an appointment to donate at area bloodmobiles or at the Red Cross Blood Center in downtown Columbus.
This is where I need your help. Ask your family members, friends and others (17-years-old or older) to help Central Ohioans by donating blood. Ask them to visit this Web site or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to sign up to potentially help save three lives with one blood donation!
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 What's in a Speck of Blood? Blood is made up of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Here is a close up view.
5,000,000 Red Blood Cells: These cells pick up oxygen in the lungs, deliver it to other body cells, and carry away carbon dioxide (a waste product). Plasma is the yellowish liquid "river" in which blood cells flow.
 5,000 to 10,000 White Blood Cells: There are several types of white blood cells that fight infection all over the body. They kill germs and carry off dead blood cells.
200,000 to 300,000 Platelets: These brownish-yellow bits of cells help blood to form clots. Activated platelets are at work reducing blood flow.
Fibrinogen: This substance causes platelets to stick together at the site of a cut, forming a clot (a natural plug that stops the flow of blood), and, in time converting into fibrin threads.
Germs: Germs such as viruses and bacteria (shown in blue) can get into the bloodstream. Defenders called antibodies, can latch onto the germs so white blood cells (shown in orange) can kill germs.
For fun click on the pictures below, print them out and color. Give to family members and friends.
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