Did you know? February is American Heart Month! Donating blood is a huge part of what makes this month so important. Let's learn more!
Every two seconds in the US, someone requires blood.
Millions of people rely on blood donors to fight cancer, receive transfusions,
and undergo surgery. However, only about 10% of eligible individuals give blood
annually. Why? Many have simply never thought about it!
Who is eligible to
give blood?
Whole blood donations (red blood cells and platelets) are
the most common and don’t have many initial requirements. To give whole blood
you must be at least 16 years of age and weigh 110 lbs. When donating whole
blood, you can donate approximately every 56 days.
There are other types of donations including platelets and
AB plasma which have different eligibility requirements. Visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html
to learn more.
Common reasons for
deferral:
Cold, flu and other types of illnesses: You can still
donate 24 hours after the symptoms have passed.
Medications: Most medications don’t affect your
eligibility. If you’re currently on an antibiotic, waiting until after the last
dose should make you eligible again!
Low Iron: Iron is key in replacing the blood cells
that you donate. If you have low iron levels, eating a balanced diet with food
rich in iron and vitamin C can allow you to try donating again.
Travel outside the US: If you have been to a country
where malaria is present in the last 3 years, you may be deferred until malaria
is ruled out. There are waiting periods, usually between 1-3 years, before you
can try to donate again.
Fun Facts:
1) Approximately 36,000 units of blood cells are needed
every day in the US.
2) Type O negative blood is considered the universal donor
and is in high demand by hospitals.
3) People with Type AB positive blood are considered the
universal recipient.
5) Around 6.8 million individuals donate blood annually in
the US. Even though around 38% of the population is eligible, only 10% are
donating.
6) A single donation can potentially help more than one
patient.
7) Most red blood cells must be used within 42 days of
collection.
If you are interested
in giving blood, the process is very simple. First you register, provide a
brief medical history and have a mini-physical, and then you are ready for
donation. The actual blood donation should only take 10-15 minutes, with the
total time coming in around an hour with registration and refreshment time.
The American Red
Cross website provides more information, as well as donation centers across the
country. https://www.redcross.org/
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