“When I gave blood for the first time, they did some testing and found that my platelet counts are really high. From then on, they recommended I try platelet donation finding it most helpful for patients in need,” said Ashutosh Shinde on how he began donating platelets—the clotting portion of blood. “I’ve been doing this for more than five years, and I’ve been donating platelets at the American Red Cross Columbia, SC location for the last three and a half years.”

Every 15 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs platelets. About 2 million units of platelets are transfused each year, nearly half of which are given to patients undergoing cancer treatments. Platelets also give strength to patients with blood disorders and those with transplants, and platelets can help patients survive major surgeries or serious injuries.

“I find it is the purpose of my life to save lives by giving platelets. My mom used to donate blood regularly in India even though she had a full-time job taking care of her kids and three more from my uncle who was living with her,” said Ashutosh. “It was a busy life for her. Even still, she found time to give blood and help people. That influenced me to start donating blood.”

Inspired by his mother’s commitment to blood donation, Ashutosh prioritizes fitting in platelet donations as often as he’s able. Donors like Ashutosh with high platelet counts may produce enough platelets for two or three patients in one donation. Platelet donors can donate every two weeks, up to 24 times a year.

“I have a very young family – my son is three years—and to be honest, I couldn’t do it without my wife’s support,” Ashutosh demonstrates the generous gift he regularly gives. “I usually try to find appointments during weekends and early mornings, so I can go donate and be back home by 8 or 9 am to spend time with my wife and son. Having family support is very important because it takes me a half-hour drive both ways, a half-hour for paperwork, and then two hours in the chair, so 3-4 hours on the weekend.”

From start to finish, a platelet donation takes about three hours, including approximately 30 minutes to complete the health history questionnaire and two hours to complete a donation. It takes time to separate and collect the platelets from the other blood components. Platelets are removed from the donor’s blood during the process, and the other components are returned. While donating, donors can relax, watch a movie, and listen to music. In a few hours, one donor can donate enough platelets to help as many as three patients.

“I like the emails I get that tell me where my platelets went. I look forward to whenever I get that email, and it keeps me motivated knowing that I helped someone,” Ashutosh describes the blood journey updates donors receive through the Red Cross blood donation app. “I tell my friends ‘it’s so cool to know that your platelets go all the way to Puerto Rico, or they traveled to North Carolina, or somewhere in the West.’ You don’t know who it is helping, but it’s an excellent way to know that you helped save a life or help them get back to better health.”

Because platelets must be used within five days, new donors are needed every day. Currently, the Red Cross has an emergency blood and platelet shortage. Donor turnout has reached the lowest levels of the year as many delayed giving amid a return to the workplace and in-person learning for many families, as well as the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country due to the delta variant.

“I think a lot of people are willing to give blood, but they are not aware of how critical it is or the difference between the types of blood product donations,” said Ashutosh on the need for blood and platelet donors. “Please do consider donating because there are no side effects from donating, and you feel normal within two hours; just stay hydrated.”

Join Ashutosh in saving lives and sign up to give platelets. Learn more about platelet donation and find a collection site near you: redcrossblood.org/platelets.