Blood Donations

North Dakota has not yet been called upon to help in recovery effots in Minnesota. But the N...  More »

North Dakota has not yet been called upon to help in recovery effots in Minnesota. But the National Guard and United Blood Services say they're ready and able to leave at a moment's notice. In fact, today United Blood Services is reminding North Dakotans about the importance of donating blood. When emergencies strike, a lot of people want to know if they can help by donating blood. But experts say donating at the time of an emergency is usually too late. (Dessie Baxter / Donor Recruitment Mngr., United Blood Services): What donors need to know is the blood needed to be ready before-hand. That blood needed to be on the shelf and ready for transfusions before that... it can't happen after. So, what we need to always think about is that we need to be prepared and that it takes 24 hours from the time that you donate to the time that that blood is ready for transfusion. Blood can only be used 42 hours after donation. And donors can only give once every eight weeks. So, a strong blood supply is always needed... in the case of a disaster. If you would like to learn more about blood donations... or to make an appointment... contact United Blood Services toll-free at 1-888-221-3520 or log onto United Blood Services dot com.  « Less