...I gave blood today.
By the time you finish reading this post, over 60 people will require some kind of blood transfusion. In fact, more than 4.5 million people in the United States and Canada receive blood transfusions each year.
Blood donations help for many reasons, the most obvious being the loss of blood from surgery or a major accident; however, cancer patients, those with sickle cell disease, and many others who fight a variety of blood-related illnesses require regular transfusions of platelets, plasma, and whole blood to maintain their health.
Blood donation centers are constantly in need of eligible donors. FUN FACT: if all blood donors gave three times a year (the average is two), blood shortages would actually be a fairly rare occurrence.
I've been a somewhat regular blood donor ever since I was eligible to give as a teenager but it wasn't until Charlotte faced numerous hospitalizations that I renewed my efforts and energy into being a regular donor. She and I have the same blood type (A-negative) so I often think that when I give a donation, I'm helping someone just like her. At the very least, I'm replenishing the supply of the numerous blood and platelet donations she received during her year of treatment.
Most people give whole blood donations. The whole process (from sign-in to snack time) usually takes about 30-45 minutes. It's something that you can very easily do on your lunch break, a Saturday morning, or on your way home from work.
Recently, I started donating through apheresis. This is the process used to collect either red cells (used for treatment of anemia or blood loss due to surgeries) or platelets (used mostly for chemotherapy patients). In apheresis, the red cells or platelets are separated from the rest of your blood while you donate and the rest of the blood is given back to you along with fluids. The process takes much longer (60-90 minutes depending on your body and blood composition) but the blood products can be used almost immediately. If you give a double donation of red blood cells (also called "double-reds"), you can't donate again for four months but your donation goes to help even more people. If you want to give but have a hard time finding frequent opportunities to donate, this is a great option because you can only give about three times a year. If you donate platelets, you are eligible to give every two weeks.
Blood donation isn't scary or painful. When I was younger, I actually felt light-headed during a few donations but that is a pretty rare occurrence. As long as I eat a good meal before I donate and hydrate thoroughly, the worst I feel is a little more tired than usual for about 48 hours. Plus, there are some fabulous snacks waiting for you after your donation process is done. My go-to snack at the donation center is fig newtons and orange juice. I admit that I can't watch that big ol' needle going into my arm. I just turn my head. Once the process has started, I'm good to go.
The thing I like best about platelet donation is that it is one of the best excuses for doing nothing for about 90 minutes. Since the donation experience takes longer, you can bring books, movies, or even your laptop. At Virginia Blood Services, they have lap desks, free wi-fi, cozy blankets, and all the comforts of home to make the donation experience as easy as possible. I usually bring a book or some magazines and my iphone and I'm constantly entertained. In a life where I'm constantly going from one thing to the next, it's nice to have a reason to sit down for a little while. And since I'm doing a good deed in the process, I can call it multi-tasking!
Facts about blood and blood donation courtesy of Virginia Blood Services
By the time you finish reading this post, over 60 people will require some kind of blood transfusion. In fact, more than 4.5 million people in the United States and Canada receive blood transfusions each year.
Blood donations help for many reasons, the most obvious being the loss of blood from surgery or a major accident; however, cancer patients, those with sickle cell disease, and many others who fight a variety of blood-related illnesses require regular transfusions of platelets, plasma, and whole blood to maintain their health. Blood donation centers are constantly in need of eligible donors. FUN FACT: if all blood donors gave three times a year (the average is two), blood shortages would actually be a fairly rare occurrence.
I've been a somewhat regular blood donor ever since I was eligible to give as a teenager but it wasn't until Charlotte faced numerous hospitalizations that I renewed my efforts and energy into being a regular donor. She and I have the same blood type (A-negative) so I often think that when I give a donation, I'm helping someone just like her. At the very least, I'm replenishing the supply of the numerous blood and platelet donations she received during her year of treatment.
Most people give whole blood donations. The whole process (from sign-in to snack time) usually takes about 30-45 minutes. It's something that you can very easily do on your lunch break, a Saturday morning, or on your way home from work.
Recently, I started donating through apheresis. This is the process used to collect either red cells (used for treatment of anemia or blood loss due to surgeries) or platelets (used mostly for chemotherapy patients). In apheresis, the red cells or platelets are separated from the rest of your blood while you donate and the rest of the blood is given back to you along with fluids. The process takes much longer (60-90 minutes depending on your body and blood composition) but the blood products can be used almost immediately. If you give a double donation of red blood cells (also called "double-reds"), you can't donate again for four months but your donation goes to help even more people. If you want to give but have a hard time finding frequent opportunities to donate, this is a great option because you can only give about three times a year. If you donate platelets, you are eligible to give every two weeks.
Blood donation isn't scary or painful. When I was younger, I actually felt light-headed during a few donations but that is a pretty rare occurrence. As long as I eat a good meal before I donate and hydrate thoroughly, the worst I feel is a little more tired than usual for about 48 hours. Plus, there are some fabulous snacks waiting for you after your donation process is done. My go-to snack at the donation center is fig newtons and orange juice. I admit that I can't watch that big ol' needle going into my arm. I just turn my head. Once the process has started, I'm good to go.
The thing I like best about platelet donation is that it is one of the best excuses for doing nothing for about 90 minutes. Since the donation experience takes longer, you can bring books, movies, or even your laptop. At Virginia Blood Services, they have lap desks, free wi-fi, cozy blankets, and all the comforts of home to make the donation experience as easy as possible. I usually bring a book or some magazines and my iphone and I'm constantly entertained. In a life where I'm constantly going from one thing to the next, it's nice to have a reason to sit down for a little while. And since I'm doing a good deed in the process, I can call it multi-tasking!
So I'll leave you today with this:
- If you have given blood before but it's been a long time since your last donation, make an appointment. If you live in Richmond, you can visit the Virginia Blood Services website to search for drives or appointments in your area. Many of the centers have afternoon, evening, and even weekend hours.
- If you are a regular blood donor, consider making your next donation a platelet or double-red contribution. Bring your favorite movie or some really trashy magazines to your appointment. Take some time for yourself while you give back to others.
- If you have never donated, consider giving it a try. Take a friend with you. You can go out for a hearty meal together afterwards.
- Many people are ineligible to give because of their travel history, work (many in the military cannot donate), or their own health. While 38% of the general public is eligible to give, only 10% actually do. If you are unable to give blood you can...
- Babysit a friend's children so that she can donate one afternoon.
- Organize a blood drive in your neighborhood, at work, or at your place of worship
- Consider a financial donation to the American Red Cross or to your local blood services agency. These organizations are nonprofits that rely on financial gifts to keep vehicles and equipment up to date.
Facts about blood and blood donation courtesy of Virginia Blood Services