Lending a pint: Valentine’s Day is also National Donor Day, Grifols Talecris Plasma Resources in need of blood and plasma donations

ALBANY, Ga. – While Valentine’s Day is the big holiday today, it’s also National Donor Day, and one national group spoke with us about the ever present need to donate blood.

At Grifols Talecris Plasma Resources in east Albany, they’re always looking for blood and plasma donations.

As we found out from Vlasta Hakes with Grifols Plasma, there are a myriad of different reasons someone might need a donation.

“There continues to be a need for both blood donations and plasma donations. Patients consistently need these medicines. They’re not curative treatments, per se. A lot of these patients are on these medicines their entire lives. And, we’re doing some great work about raising awareness about these conditions, so more people are being diagnosed…” Vlasta Hakes, Senior Director, Grifols Plasma.

And, yes, the need for blood donations isn’t the only one that’s always needed, as plasma donations are also encouraged.

“…Plasma is the portion of the blood used to make medicines used to treat people with rare conditions. So, plasma has proteins and antibodies that help our bodies function…” said Hakes.

But, while the focus is on a day of affection, plasma centers are asking people to step in and roll up their sleeves to help someone out.

“When you go and donate. You’re helping save lives. Simple as that. You’re doing something to help people in your community. You’re helping people around the United States. So, it’s a great way to give back, and feel good about what you’re doing and while you’re doing it, you’re helping save lives,” said Hakes.

Valentine’s Day may be a single day, but the opportunity to donate blood and plasma to impact a life is always going to be welcome.

An average of 29,000 blood donations are needed on a daily basis in the U.S. according to the American Red Cross.

Brian Roche reporting.

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