Liver transplants are the second most common type of transplant with more than 6,000 performed in the U.S. each year, according to the American Liver Foundation.
Liver transplant patients may require in excess of 30 pints of blood during surgery.
For blood donor Amy Slattery, the need for blood hits close to home. Her mother received a liver transplant and needed more than 70 blood products during the surgery.
“I donate to help others that needed blood like her,” said Slattery. “I donate in thanks to those who donate their blood products to help save lives.”
Volunteer donors like Slattery are the only source of blood for those in need of transfusions during transplants and other surgeries.
Donors with all blood types are needed, and especially those with types O negative, A negative, B negative and AB blood.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
- Elmsford, Oct. 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Alexander Hamilton High School, 98 S. Goodwin Ave.
- New Rochelle, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Iona College, 715 North Ave., Oct. 13, 2-7 p.m. New Rochelle Public Library, One Library Plaza, Lawton Street.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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