More than 330 donate at winter blood drive

During the blood drive at Western Washington University from Jan. 12 to 14, 328 blood donors and five platelet donors registered. Seventy-eight of the blood donors were first-timers, as were all five apheresis donors.

The community's effort brought health and comfort to many patients. The blood donations collected at the blood drive are critical to maintain a stable blood supply for surgeries, medical emergencies, and for supporting patients battling life-threatening illnesses like cancer and leukemia.

Below are just a few of many patients in our community who recently received blood products:

• 32-year-old patient: Aortic aneurysm. Patient used 14 units red blood cells, 22 units plasma, 6 units platelet, and 4 units cryoprecipitate pools.
• 31-year-old patient: Obstetric bleed. Patient used 12 units red blood cells, 12 units plasma, 2 units platelets.
• 65-year-old patient: Heart transplant. Patient used 12 units red blood cells, 10 units plasma, 4 units platelets, and 2 units cryoprecipitate pools.
• 68-year-old patient: Heart Transplant. Patient used: 50 units red blood cells, 60 units plasma, 11 units platelets, and 12 units cryoprecipitate pools.
• 60-year-old patient: Organ Transplant. Patient used: 12 units red blood cells, 10 units plasma, 2 units cryoprecipitate pools.

Each day, 800 people must donate blood to meet the needs of patients in hospitals.

The next WWU blood drive in Viking Union Room 565 is April 5 to 7.