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For over 50 years, January has been a time to appreciate and honor the people who voluntarily donate blood for others. Our blood transports oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies, helps to fight off infections, and helps us heal with its clotting ability. It’s essential for life and donating blood helps save lives and provide treatment for those who need it.
Every 2 seconds, someone in America needs a blood transfusion. Doctors and hospitals rely on blood donations made through blood drives and the like to be able to have blood available to provide these transfusions because there is no artificial substitute, it can only be made by the human body. Those who have had a traumatic injury, have had blood loss due to surgery, or who have anemia or sickle cell disease receive donations of red bloods cells. People with certain rare diseases, serious infections or burns, or who have liver failure receive plasma donations. Platelet donations are used in cancer treatments and for those who have received organ transplants.
All of this is possible because the donations people make can be separated into their primary components of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each time someone donates blood, that donation can help up to two or more people. And donations, especially continued donations, are crucial because donations do not last forever and cannot be stored forever. Red blood cells can only be kept for 42 days, platelets for 5 days, and plasma for up to one year. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, a study in Northern Ohio showed that 900 pints of blood needs to be collected every day to meet the needs of patients in 57 local area hospitals.
Recipients of donations range from premature babies to the elderly during emergencies or as they fight against illness and disease. These donations are largely made by strangers who have chosen to attend a blood drive. The blood donation process only takes about an hour, and the actual donation time only takes about 10 minutes.
It’s completely safe to donate blood for those that meet eligibility requirements, and most people do. Requirements typically include being at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 lbs, and that you are in good health. There are some reasons why someone may not be eligible including taking specific medications (like antibiotics), prior/current health conditions (like having a fever or HIV), recent travel out of the country, or risks found during the pre-donation physical or health assessment. Eligibility requirements can also vary if you are looking to donate something specific like plasma.
Each blood donation is about 1 pint (or about half a liter), and you can make multiple donations a year. Your body regenerates or replaces the cells you donate within 4-6 weeks so you’re able to safely donate blood every 56 days. You can also choose to donate certain parts of your blood like platelets, plasma, or double red cells. Sometimes, area hospitals will need more of a certain type of transfusion than another so you can choose to donate what may be in lower supply at the time.
The process of donating blood includes completing a medical history form, a short physical exam with blood pressure check, pulse reading, temperature, possibly a weight measurement, and a finger prick sample to check your hemoglobin level. If everything meets requirements, you’ll be able to complete your donation. Then your donation will be tested for blood type and certain infectious diseases to make sure it’s safe for a recipient. If something is found and your blood cannot be used, you’ll be notified.
By becoming a blood doner, you not only help others in need at critical times in their life but it can also benefit you too. You receive a free health screening each time you go and so does your donated blood. It’s also been found that regularly donating may reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer and help your body maintain healthy iron levels. If you’re interested in finding a blood drive near you, visit the American Red Cross’s site to book an appointment today!
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