The week of September 20-27, the American Red Cross is celebrating Platelet Donor Week.  During the week we encourage existing platelet donors to renew their commitment and ask new donors to find out if they are good candidates.

Platelets donated by healthy volunteers are vital in the care of patients undergoing treatments for cancer, aplastic anemia, leukemia and other medical conditions. Platelets are the part of the blood that aid in clotting, and prevent life threatening bleeding that can occur during various treatments.

The American Red Cross strongly encourages donors with types A, AB and B to consider giving platelets.  Those donors with type O should continue to donate whole blood. The primary difference between whole blood and platelet donation is that donating platelets takes a bit longer. Your blood is filtered through a special machine that removes the platelets, and returns the rest of your blood components (red blood cells and plasma) back to your body. Your body is able to replace the platelets you've donated in just a few days. Many platelet donors report a very deep sense of personal satisfaction, that a small investment of their time gives them the opportunity to save another persons life.

If you'd like to become a platelet donor, or just learn more about the process, call Autumn Larsen at (801) 892-4009.