Each year, millions of Americans need blood transfusions due to traumatic injuries, diseases such as cancer, or blood conditions such as infants born with Rh disease, among other causes. Healthy individuals can donate blood every eight weeks to help with the growing need for blood supplies. If you have safety concerns, no need to fret. “Under federal law, needles and equipment used in the blood donation process can’t be reused, even on the same patient,” says Ira Shulman, M.D., professor in the Department of Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “Everything is brand new.” To find a blood donation center near you, visit www.givelife.org.
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