Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. Yet, according to the American Red Cross, supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of eligible people donate blood annually.
“There are so many benefits of donating blood. It’s not just about helping strangers,” said Jana Compton, BayCare’s regional blood bank manager. “Your donation could save the life of a friend, a family member, or even yourself in the future. The impact is truly profound.”
Compton emphasizes the significance of blood donation and its potential to save lives close to home. “Blood transfusions are essential for a wide variety of medical procedures and emergencies, from surgeries to treating trauma, cancer or chronic illnesses,” she said. “There are eight blood types, and each is unique to saving lives. One whole blood donation will be harvested to collect red cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate – a blood product primarily used to treat clotting disorders and hemorrhage.”
Did you know?
The process of donating blood is quick and safe, typically taking less than an hour, including registration and health screening. Each donation provides enough blood to help as many as three patients in need.
“There’s a common misconception that donating blood is inconvenient or painful,” said Miranda Diaz, a clinical laboratory scientist in the blood services department at BayCare. “But it’s a simple process, and the staff makes sure every donor is comfortable and cared for. Plus, the small effort of donating can mean the difference between life and death for someone in critical need.”
In addition to helping others, blood donation also offers personal rewards. From positive health benefits to gift incentives, there are numerous reasons to roll up your sleeve.
Health Screening: Before donating, your vital signs, such as blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, cholesterol and pulse are checked. This mini-health screening can help you monitor your overall health and catch any potential issues early.
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Regular blood donations can reduce excess iron levels in your blood. Too much iron can contribute to oxidative damage, which may impact cardiovascular health. By donating blood, you help maintain a healthier balance. According to some research, donating blood can help reduce elevated hemoglobin levels, which in turn lowers blood viscosity. This decrease in viscosity may reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
Potential Cancer Risk Reduction: Lowering iron levels in your blood through regular donations may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, as iron accumulation has been linked to free radical damage.
Social Impact: The act of giving blood can foster a stronger sense of purpose. Knowing that you’ve helped save lives can boost your mood and overall sense of fulfillment.
Calorie Burning: Donating blood burns approximately 650 calories per pint. While it’s not a substitute for regular exercise, it’s an added perk for helping others, and you can enjoy some post-donation refreshments without guilt.
Incentives: While donors give blood to help others, many organizations provide free gifts as a thank you. These can include gift cards, event tickets, or a selection of promotional items like shirts and bags. OneBlood, a not-for-profit organization that provides blood to more than 250 hospitals in Florida and other states across the southeastern U.S., also has a program called “My OneBlood Journey.” The communication tool notifies a donor when their donation is headed to help a patient. “OneBlood also launched a program called “Message My Donor” where the patient can thank the donor personally,” Diaz said. “Donors receive notes of gratitude with stories from recipients whose lives were saved.”
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