Why should I donate blood?
4.5 million Americans would die each year without life saving blood transfusions.
Approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States.
Every three seconds someone needs blood.
Just one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three people’s lives.
Blood donation takes four steps: medical history, quick physical, donation, and snacks.
The actual blood donation usually takes less than 10 minutes. The entire process, from when you sign in to the time you leave, takes about 45 minutes.
Giving blood will not decrease your strength.
You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.
Fourteen tests, 11 of which are for infectious diseases, are performed on each unit of donated blood.
Anyone who is in good health, is at least 16 years old, and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days.
Read more here: https://www.bnl.gov/hr/blooddrive/56facts.asp
Hello!
I attempted to give blood the other Friday. My hemoglobin was too low, so I have to wait a few weeks.
I want to draw attention to the fact that the American Red Cross was extremely diligent in maintaining all social distancing standards, and then some. Additionally, all employees wore masks and those arriving to donate, who did not already have masks, were asked to use a one time disposable mask. The thermometer that they use before they allow you in doesn’t even touch your forehead. Everything was orderly and everything was sanitized frequently.
I only gave blood one other time in my life. The current situation reminded me of how important this is, not just now, but always. This is something that, for just ten minutes time, you can really, really help others. This is a great way to give back and it’s something you can start now, but do consistently as long as your health permits for the rest of your life long after this is over.
If you have conditions that you take anxiety medication for, and if being in a blood donation center triggers those but you still want to help, I confirmed that you can still take those medications the day of donation. Make sure you check too, just in case the person I asked was mistaken.
Let me know if you have questions about what the center was like.
Stay well everyone,
Steph
It is still possible and safe to give blood. It is also necessary.
The nation is beginning to experience a shortage of a resource (blood) critical to saving lives and, by extension, to sustaining our country.
Many, even before this crisis, donated selflessly and consistently every 56 days (how often you can donate). I was not one of those people.
We all have causes we contribute to. I would argue that this is a great one to add. You can give back so much for just 45 minutes of your time every 56 days.
This is an especially critical need now, but it has always been a critical need and always will.
Let’s add it to our calendars!
https://6abc.com/health/donate-blood-now-surgeon-general-urges/6028239/
Challenge your friends (or anyone for that matter) to a friendly competition! Who will win the battle to do the most social good for your community?
Put your virtual blood drive campaign against one or even multiple other campaigns to see who can recruit more blood donors for the American Red Cross.
