Dr. Bruce Sachais
“Whoever saves a single life is considered by scripture to have saved the whole world.” —Sanhedrin 37a
Donate blood. It’s that simple. It’s safe, simple, and can save up to three lives per donation. And you get a snack!
Blood is an essential tissue that courses through our veins, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells of our bodies. Blood also plays a crucial role in hemostasis, which is the control of bleeding, which requires the correct components to be present and active in our blood.
Unlike many medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured artificially. It can only come from volunteer donors. This makes blood donation a truly unique and indispensable altruistic act. A single blood donation can save multiple lives, impacting not just the recipient but also their families and loved ones.
The need for blood is constant, as emergencies can happen at any moment, and patients with chronic conditions rely on regular transfusions. Approximately 15 million units of blood products are transfused each year in the United States, and one out of three people will need blood in their lifetime.
Approximately 60% of people are eligible to donate, yet only 3% do. Ensuring a stable and readily available blood supply is a community responsibility, as well as a Jewish responsibility. Pikuach nefesh (פיקוח נפש), saving a life, is a fundamental principle in Judaism. Donating blood embodies this principle, as it directly contributes to preserving and extending human life. By giving blood, you are not only performing a mitzvah but also fulfilling a core tenet of Jewish ethics: the profound responsibility to protect and cherish every human life.
What types of patients need blood?
- Those fighting cancer
- Patients with chronic blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
- Victims of trauma and violent crimes
- Patients undergoing surgery
- Critically ill patients
Unsure if you are eligible to Donate Blood? Information on eligibility can be found at https://www.delmarvablood.org/donate-blood/donor-eligibility
How can you help?
- Donate blood—You can find information and make appointments with the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD), your community blood center at https://www.delmarvablood.org. BBD, which operates locally in Delmarva, is part of the New York Blood Center Enterprises.
- Help spread the word—Share the need with your friends and family
- Volunteer at your local blood center or blood drives
- Organize a blood drive
You have the power to save a life, and by so doing, save the world.
About New York Blood Center Enterprises
Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe) has provided more than 60 years of lifesaving research, innovation, and impact. NYBCe is one of the largest nonprofit blood centers, spanning 17+ states and serving 75 million people. NYBCe operates the Blood Bank of Delmarva, in addition to the Community Blood Center of Kansas City, Connecticut Blood Center, Memorial Blood Centers, Nebraska Community Blood Bank, New Jersey Blood Services, New York Blood Center, and Rhode Island Blood Center, delivering one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic, and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment, and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBCe is a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybce.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the Author
Dr. Bruce Sachais is the Medical Director for the Blood Bank of Delmarva and Chief Medical Officer of the New York Blood Center Enterprises. He is a member of the Board of Trustees at Congregation Beth Emeth. He is also an Affiliated Faculty (Professor) in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Delaware and a member of the Board of Directors for the Delaware Bioscience Association.
