AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
Yes, you can save lives by selling plasma at a donor center. Plasma is used to help those with hemophilia, stabilize trauma patients, and make Rh Immune Globulin for Rh negative mothers who have Rh positive babies. Bonus! You get paid to sell your plasma. It takes about two hours to get set up initially at a collection center like Austin BioMed at (512) 251-8855 or DCI Biologicals. Then you can donate twice a week and put an extra $50 a week in your pocket. That cash will come in handy during the holiday shopping season.
Blood donation is voluntary, but most blood centers have some sort of incentive program that you can participate in. The summer and holidays are typically hard for blood centers and the blood supply can drop dangerously low. Save 2 - 3 lives with each blood donation and get free cookies, and prizes. There are plenty of mobile blood drives during the holidays or you can call the Central Texas Blood and Tissue Center at (512) 206-1266 or visit their website by visiting My Handprint.
Another way to save lives is to become an Apheresis Platelet donor. Cancer patients need platelets frequently as the chemotherapy will kill their working platelets and cause them to become anemic. The Blood and Tissue Center offers extra points and bonuses to regular platelet donors.
Blood donations are the gift of life and every community needs this precious resource. Did you know that donating blood is also good for you? When you donate blood as a gift to others, it will stimulate your bone marrow to produce fresh, new healthy blood cells for yourself! This gives you more energy and helps with that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with helping others. Giving blood regularly will keep your blood strong for carrying oxygen to your system.
Blood and blood products can be donated by anyone 17 years of age or older, in good health, and weighing more than 110 pounds. People who have been exposed to Aids, HIV, or Hepatitis will not be able to donate. There are a couple of other questions on the screening test that help the blood center determine if your blood will be suitable for transfusions. The screening tests are free and you will find out what your blood type is.
Help patients with cancer, those that will be in car wrecks this season, and quite possibly, mothers who are giving birth by donating your blood, plasma, or platelets today. If you enjoyed this article, receive e-mail alerts when new articles are available. Just click on the 'subscribe' button above.
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