At Lee Health, the need for blood is constant. Our blood centers are the sole supplier of all blood products for the entire health system and we require approximately 800 units each week to treat patients following surgery, illness and traumatic injuries. We rely on lifesaving donations from the community to maintain healthy inventory levels.
However, during this time of year — as families travel and seasonal residents head north — blood donations tend to drop. I like to use this column to encourage our community members to consider becoming blood donors.
Donating blood is safe, easy and rewarding. Before donating, a technician checks your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature and hemoglobin. After a successful donation, you’ll also receive your cholesterol level and blood type. Most people can donate every 56 days, and the process allows your body to replenish its supply, promoting overall efficiency and health.
The entire process takes about 45 minutes, including the mini-physical and simple medical history questionnaire, but the action donation takes less than 15 minutes.
Blood donation is essential because there’s no substitute for human blood. Whole blood donations can be separated into components—such as plasma and red blood cells — that are used to treat cancer, anemia and leukemia, or to support patients undergoing surgery.
Whole blood transfusions in the Lee Health Trauma Center
Lee Health’s Trauma Center at Gulf Coast Medical Center — the only state-approved Level II trauma center between Sarasota and Miami — recently began using whole blood transfusions for trauma care. This groundbreaking approach delivers all essential blood components from a single donor unit, streamlining treatment when every second counts.
In partnership with Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), specially trained paramedics now administer whole blood in the field before patients even arrive at the hospital. This early intervention during the critical first hour following severe injury can make the difference between life and death—improving outcomes for critically injured patients.
Donate and honor the memory of a hero at the Jobbers-Miller Blood Drive
Southwest Florida lost a hero when Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller died after being shot in the line of duty. To honor his memory, his family, the Fort Myers Police Department and Lee Health joined forces to create an annual blood drive that saves lives in our community.
This year marks the 7th Annual Jobbers-Miller Blood Drive, held July 22–24. The drive kicks off at 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, in front of Lee Memorial Hospital with a ceremonial flag raising, followed by remarks from the Jobbers-Miller family, Fort Myers Police Department and Lee Health leadership.
The Lee Health Blood Mobile will accept donations outside Lee Memorial Hospital from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., July 22 and 23. On Thursday, July 24, it will be stationed at the Fort Myers Police Department (2210 Widman Way) from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. All donations through this drive stay in Lee County and directly benefit our community.
There are countless reasons to give the gift of life. If you’re inspired to donate, Lee Health Blood Centers are open Monday through Friday. Visit LeeHealth.org/our-services/blood-centers for locations, hours of operation and to find where the Blood Mobile will be next.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: More reasons to donate blood
Reporting by Larry Antonucci / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
