The Gift of Life

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative recently held blood drives at its Southport and Wewahitchka offices.

A total of 34 people donated blood. Each donation can save up to 3 lives—102 patients will benefit from the lifesaving efforts of these blood donors.

Donors received a gift card, blanket and wellness checkup.

Mark your calendars! The bloodmobile will be back at our Southport and Wewahitchka offices from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 14.

The Facts on Blood Donation

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  Blood makes up about 7% of the weight of a human body.

• Blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
• Blood cells float in a yellow liquid called blood plasma. Blood plasma is 90% water and contains nutrients, electrolytes, gases, proteins, glucose and hormones.
• Blood plasma can be separated from blood cells by using a centrifuge. The device spins tubes of blood until the plasma and cells separate . The cells collect at the bottom of the tube.
• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. They also contain a protein called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin contains iron, which combines with oxygen to give our blood a red color.
• Red blood cells develop in bone marrow and circulate in the body for about 120 days.
• White blood cells are an important part of the body’s immune system.
• They defend against certain bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, infectious diseases and other unwanted materials.
• Platelets help blood clot to limit bleeding when your skin is cut. Blood clots can occasionally have negative effects. If they form in blood vessels going to the brain, they can cause a stroke. Clotting in a blood vessel going to the heart can lead to a heart attack.
• You do not need to know your blood type to donate blood. All blood types are always needed.
• You can donate blood every 56 days.