Want to Help? Give Blood

This year, there have been a lot of moments in which people wanted to do something, something to help.  We saw it during the Australian wildfires, when people donated to the efforts to rebuild the overtaxed emergency response system or rescue injured animals.  During the pandemic, people have done whatever they were able, from sewing masks to donating to food ministries.  In the wake of George Floyd, I've seen more people talk about making donations to social justice organizations than I've ever seen before.

All of those things are great, but they all require money.  It may seem like you either have to donate or purchase materials in order to do good.  That is difficult if you are a broke college student or have lost your job.  Yet, the impulse to do something remains.  What can you do to help others if you have no money?  Figure out what you do have.  Perhaps, you have a skill that can be given to others.  Perhaps, you have time to drive food deliveries.  Perhaps, you have the ability to organize others with skills. 

There's one thing we all have to give.  We all have blood, and it costs nothing to give it.  Since today is World Blood Donation Day, I thought it would be a good day to encourage you to give.  

Why is blood donation so important?

No Substitute - There is no such thing as synthetic blood.  When person needs blood, there is no alternative.  You must have blood of the right type (or O negative, which can be universally given to all).

Supply and Demand - The blood supply is almost always right on the margin of the demand.  While people drove less during the stay at home orders, there were also fewer donations.  About one in every seven people that enters a hospital needs blood, and they usually need more than one pint (the average is 3, but a car accident can take as much as 100 pints until their blood loss is stopped.  The need for type O negative is especially high as it is used when the recipient's type is unknown.

Chronic Illnesses - When we think of blood donation, we typically think of trauma, like shootings, car accidents, and major wounds.  However, there are some people who have conditions that create a chronic need for blood.  Sickle cell disease, some types of cancer, aplastic anemia, liver and kidney diseases, and ulcers can all create a need to receive blood regularly.  Burn victims may also need plasma for weeks while their wounds heal.  

There are more facts than I can share here.  Here's a site with some great information.  

When I went this week, I was concerned that it might have become a hassle as most things have in the wake of COVID, but very little had actually changed other than a temperature check at the door and a mask requirement.  If you want to help people in a big way, here are a few things you should know.

Make an Appointment - While some places take walk-ins, it is just easier if you make an appointment.  Especially right now, when social distancing is needed, it helps the organizers plan.  If you are going to give at the Red Cross, you are required to have an appointment right now.

Set Aside an Hour - From beginning to end, the entire process takes about an hour.  It takes a little less time if you do the Red Cross' Rapid Pass, which allows you to answer the screening questions at home and gives you a QR code to take with you.

Hydrate - Your experience with blood donation is affected by your hydration level more than anything else.  It influences your blood pressure, the size of your veins, and whether you will be dizzy after donating.  

Don't Fear the Needle - When I talk to people about donating, I usually hear people discuss their fear of needles.  The anticipation is far worse than the experience itself.  I have had moments when I barely felt the needle, and there have been times when it stung a bit (that's the anticoagulant that keeps your blood from clotting in the tube).  That sting lasts less than one second.  After that, you don't even notice that it is there.  You are in the hands of professionals, so there is no need to fear.

You can make an appointment through your local hospital or by calling the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or use their website at www.redcrossblood.org.