What to know about giving blood

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date April 18, 2023); no calls will be taken.

Millions of people need blood transfusions each year. Some for surgery, others because they have a disease that requires certain parts of blood. There is no substitute for human blood — all transfusions use blood from a donor. We’ll learn about the great need for blood and the different ways people can donate, which include: whole blood donation; platelet donation; double red cell donation; and, plasma donation.

Panelists:
Jorge Rios, medical director, American Red Cross Blood Services
Jessica Miller, professor of philosophy, areas of focus include health care ethics; University of Maine