Fast Facts About Blood

It courses through our veins, without it we are up a creek without a paddle, but we don't know that much about it. Blood.

This time of year, accidents, fires and other emergencies cause the need for blood to shoot up. Here in the Southern Tier, our supply is way too low, so I figured you should know more about the liquid that puts color in our cheeks! Maybe you'll even donate.

1. Blood lasts 42 days in storage before it becomes unusable.

2. Blood platelets, donated separately, must be used within 5 days.

3. About 7 percent of our body weight is from blood.

4. Each red blood cell circulates in our body for about 120 days.

5. There are about 30 blood types! The typical O, A, B and AB is the typing system most people know.

6. Blood delivers important substances to our cells, but also takes away bad ones.

7. One blood donation can save up to 3 lives.

Now that you know more about blood, how about donating? The American Red Cross is having a few Broome County blood drives:

February 8th
Central United Methodist Church, 17 Nanticoke Ave, Endicott.  8 am to 1 pm
First Baptist Church of Johnson City, 1321 Reynolds Road.      8 am to 1 pm
Oakdale Mall, across from Ruby Tuesday's.                             10 am to 3 pm
Vestal United Methodist Church, 328 Main Street.           7:30 am to 12:30 pm

February 10th
Hinman Commons, Lounge Rooms 114A/B, 4400 Vestal Parkway East. Noon to 5 pm
Conklin Presbyterian Church, 1175 Conklin Road.          2:30 pm to 6;30 pm

February 12th
Harpursville High School, 54 Main Street.                                  8 am to 1 pm

February 13th
North Pointe Church, 126 East Service Road, Binghamton.       1 pm to 6 pm
Binghamton University-Old Union, 4400 Vestal Parkway East.  Noon to 6 pm