ST. PAUL, Minn. (Sept. 16, 2013) — October is Liver Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors that organ transplant patients often rely on donated blood products. Liver transplant patients may need 30 or more transfusions during the surgery.
Recently, a liver transplant patient at a hospital served by the Red Cross was treated with more than 75 units of red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Liver transplants are the second most common transplant, with more than 6,000 performed every year in the U.S. — and more than 16,000 Americans are currently waiting for a liver transplant, according to the American Liver Foundation.
Please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets to help patients like these and many others.
Ways to protect your liver from disease There are a variety of ways to help protect your liver from disease. The American Liver Foundation offers these simple tips:
– Maintain a healthy diet low in fatty foods. – Limit alcohol intake. – Do not smoke. – Manage medications appropriately. – Limit contact with toxins. – Exercise regularly.
For more information, visit liverfoundation.org.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Crow Wing County Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Consolidated Telecommunications, 14385 Edgewood Drive in Baxter, Minn. Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Culver’s, 15222 Dellwood Drive in Baxter, Minn.
Douglas County Oct. 7 from 1-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 420 Irving St. in Alexandria, Minn. Oct. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 420 Irving St. in Alexandria, Minn. Oct. 10 from 12-6 p.m. at Community Center, 18 E. Nokomis St. in Osakis, Minn. Oct. 14 from 12-6 p.m. at Shalom Lutheran, 800 County Road 44 NW in Alexandria, Minn.
St. Louis County Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kirby Student Center, 1049 University Drive in Duluth, Minn. Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kirby Student Center, 1049 University Drive in Duluth, Minn.
Todd County Oct. 10 from 1-7 p.m. at Browerville Elementry School, 620 Park Ave. North in Browerville, Minn. Oct. 14 from 12-6 p.m. at American Legion Post 12, 714 Commerce Road in Long Prairie, Minn. Oct. 15 from 12-6 p.m. at Community Center, 425 Fourth St. NE in Staples, Minn.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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