Blood donations help an array of patients live longer lives — which is why every year, CowanGates partners with the American Red Cross and Salisbury Country Club to host our Memorial Blood Drive in honor of our founder, Frank Cowan. As you may know, there are many benefits to donating but we’ve compiled a list of our top three reasons to give blood in this critical climate where less than 38 percent of Americans are eligible to donate but only 10 percent do each year. 

1: YOU SAVE LIVES

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and your one donation can potentially save up to three lives in your community — whether a cancer patient, burn victim, or someone with a chronic illness. Just think, an hour of your time can give another person the gift of life. Don’t worry though, you aren’t stuck for the entire hour. The actual donation only takes around eight minutes — the rest of the time consists of covering your health history and simple pre-donation tests to measure your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels. 

2: THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE

For decades, researchers have attempted to make blood from scratch — but there’s still no substitute. It only comes from generous donors. While plasma expansion and other IV fluids exist, they don’t carry the same as the antibodies and electrolytes that exist in blood. That being said, we must donate to ensure safe transfusions for those in need. No matter whether the patient is undergoing heart surgery or an organ transplant, the one thing all doctors will order is real blood.

3: YOU CUT CALORIES

Every time you donate blood, you burn roughly 650 calories. The majority of Americans lose that amount after an intense, hour-long cardio session. By donating blood, you not only help those in need, but you also help yourself. It’s an easy way to say goodbye to that cheat meal from last week. In addition to the bountiful health benefits associated with donating, it’s also a cost-effective route to receive a mini-physical — including a free blood pressure and cholesterol check. 

Contact us today to volunteer for our Memorial Blood Drive in Richmond, VA

You have it within you to save a life. Sign up today for our Memorial Blood Drive and make a true difference in the lives of others on February 6, 2024. To reserve your time slot between 1 p.m. — 5 p.m., visit the event page or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and mention sponsor code “SCC” to schedule your life-changing donation.