Who Wants to Save a Life? Donate Blood
By Teresa Ambord
Did you know that every time you donate a pint of blood, you could save as many as three lives? If that's not enough to catch your attention, think about this. According to Blood Center of the Pacific, most of us will need a blood transfusion at some time in our lives. Whether because of an emergency or a planned surgery, you or certainly someone close to you will need blood. Having a good supply is vital, every single day.
Donating blood is a fairly simple process. Most cities have blood banks, and those that don't often get visits from mobile blood banks, which are even more convenient.
What Actually Happens When You Donate Blood?
- When you become a donor, you are asked to fill out a basic health questionnaire, with questions such as "Have you had any body piercing lately?" and "Have you taken aspirin in the last 36 hours?"
- Next you get a five-minute physical to make sure you are in good health that day. This includes a finger prick blood draw to make sure your iron level is sufficient.
- A technician will ask some more standard questions designed to keep the blood supply safe.
- Then it's off to the donor area. A trained professional will take your blood pressure, and then draw your blood. How long it takes to draw your blood depends on your veins. People with stout veins may only take five to ten minutes.
- Once the blood draw is complete, the technician will apply a bandage, give you a few instructions, and direct you to the snack area. Blood banks ask you to sit down and have a snack or two before you leave.
- That's it! You're done, and you may have just saved up to three lives.
Fifty-six days later, you can do it all again... and save another three lives. Over a period of a year, that's 18 lives! One of those lives may be yours, or the life of a loved one.
Good Reasons For Giving Blood:
General Guidelines For Those Considering Blood Donation:
- You must be 17 (16 year olds can donate with written permission from a parent or guardian).
- You must weigh at least 110 pounds.
- You must be in general good health.
- It is recommended that you eat a healthy meal within four hours of donating.
- You must present valid ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Do You Qualify to Be a Life-Saving Blood Donor?
Information from the Blood Centers of the Pacific. Do not donate if any of the following apply to you:
- AIDS: You are a person with symptoms or laboratory evidence of HIV infection.
- CANCER: Hematological, ie: Hodgkin, Leukemia, Lymphomas
- HEPATITIS: A history of the disease after the age of 11, or a positive lab test for the virus.
- ORGAN FAILURE: Kidney, lung or liver failure.
- RECREATIONAL DRUG USE (by injection): Having injected yourself with drugs not prescribed by a physician.
- UNITED KINGDOM: You have visited or lived in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Gibraltar or Falkland Islands for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 thru 1996.
- EUROPEAN COUNTRIES: If you have spent a cumulative of 5 years or more since 1980.
- U.S. MILITARY/DEPENDENTS/CIVILIAN
MILITARY EMPLOYEE: If you are U.S. Military / Dependent / Civilian Military Employee who spent a cumulative of six months or more between 1980 thru 1996 associated with a military base in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or Greece. - TRAVEL: Travel to certain countries may temporarily restrict you from donating blood. Please call 1-888-393-GIVE to learn more.
- SEXUAL HISTORY: You are a man who has had sex with another man since 1977.
- SEXUAL HISTORY: You have engaged in sex for money or drugs since 1977.
How Rare is Your Blood Type?
- O Rh-positive, 38 percent
- O Rh-negative, 7 percent
- A Rh-positive, 34 percent
- A Rh-negative, 6 percent
- B Rh-positive, 9 percent
- B Rh-negative, 2 percent
- AB Rh-positive, 3 percent
- AB Rh-negative, 1 percent
Remember, all blood types are needed everyday.
