How Blood Donations Help

Posted on Jan 21, 2020

Did you know that less than 10% of Americans Donate Blood? According to American Red Cross, someone needs blood every two seconds. With only one donation, you can save up to three lives. Each year, thousands of people rely on receiving donated blood and blood products to stay alive.

ADVANTAGES

  • Reduces iron levels; iron is a mineral that the blood needs to product red blood cells; however, too much iron can be harmful to a person’s health.
  • Identifies adverse health effects; each person who donates blood completes a simple physical examination and short blood test before giving blood. As a result, it is possible that a person could identify unknown health concerns as part of the blood donation process.
  • Helps people feel good about themselves; knowing that you have made a difference to the lives of others can relieve a person’s stress and make them feel mentally well.
  • Burns calories; donating blood burns up to 650 calories per donation, according to the St. Mary’s Medical Center, Blue Springs, MO.

MYTHS

  • I’m nervous about giving blood; most first-time donors are! However, after donating most also wonder why they were so nervous.
  • Giving blood is inconvenient; from the time you sign in, the whole process takes under an hour. Your actual donation time will be less than ten minutes.
  • I might get a disease from donation blood; all equipment is brand new, disposable and used only one time.
  • They don’t really need my type of blood; every type is the right type. All types, including common types like O-positive and A-positive, are needed by patients all the time.
  • I’m too young or too old; you can donate blood as long as you are at least 16 years of age. You are never too old as long as you are healthy.
  • Other people must be giving enough blood; less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets.

More Myths that have been voiced but not true are: I have diabetes, I just got my ears pierced, I have a heart condition, I am taking medications for mitral valve prolapse, I take medication for high blood pressure, I’ve had a stroke or I just got a tattoo. As long as you are healthy, none of these are reasons why you shouldn’t donate blood.

Over the past two years, PPC has held two blood drives a year for our employees. The opportunities to save lives are endless. You can find a blood drive near you by simply entering in your zip code, it’s that easy!

Source: Medical News Today, American Red Cross, The Blood Center