Have you ever donated blood? There are many good reasons to donate. My favorite response to the question “why do you donate blood?” was from a man in Alaska who replied “because I can.”
Some people need blood after an accident – a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. People might also need blood during surgery or because they have a disease that requires blood such as Sickle cell disease, which affects more than 80,000 people in the United States.
Sickle cell patients can require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. In 2001, there were about 14 million blood transfusions and the average blood cell transfusion is about 3 pints.
Here are some other facts about the blood donation process from the American Red Cross:
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Donating blood is a safe process. A sterile needle is used only once for each donor and then discarded.
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Blood donation is a simple four-step process: registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments.
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The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10-12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour.
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The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his/her body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.
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Information you give to the American Red Cross during the donation process is strictly confidential. It may not be released without your permission except as directed by law.
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Two common reasons cited by people who don't give blood are: "Never thought about it" and "I don't like needles".
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One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people.
Donating blood can have a huge impact on someone and can even save a life. To find out more, contact your local American Red Cross.
Have you donated blood before? What was the reason you donated? Tell me your story – I would love to hear it.
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