Hello!
It is day four of our Vampire's Blood Drive, and our vampires have been busy! While many people donate blood at least once a year, there are many more who never do. This post will address the common concerns and the process of donating blood, hopefully encouraging more people to participate in a blood drive and help save lives! After all, according to the Red Cross, the #1 reason people choose to donate is because they "want to help others!" It is certainly one of the easiest ways to make a difference in your community.
To start off, here are some quick facts.
1. People with O- type blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of all blood types. Only 7% of people in the U.S. have O- blood type!
2. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
3. Every two seconds a blood donation is needed in the U.S.
4. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days
5. The average adult has about 10 to 12 pints of blood in his body. Roughly 1 pint is given during a donation.
6.If you began donating blood at age 17 and donated every 56 days until you reached age 76, you would have donated 48 gallons of blood. That can save over 1,000 lives!
Now, a little more information about what to expect before, during, and after the blood donation process.
BEFORE
What should I bring?
A photo ID. Also be prepared to answer questions about your medical history.
Am I eligible?
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 year-olds may donate with written parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. There is no upper age limit to donate blood.
Can I donate if I have a tattoo/piercings?
You must wait one full year before donating blood after getting a tattoo, but there is no deferral period for piercings as long as a sterile needle was used!
What if I have traveled/lived outside the country?
This will only matter if you have been to certain parts of Haiti or the Dominican Republic in the last year, or if you were in the United Kingdom for a total of three months or more from 1980 to 1996. Remember Mad Cow Disease?
Should I eat before?
A meal or snack at least two hours before donating is recommended. If you can include iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, beans or seafood that's even better!
DURING
How long will it take?
The entire process (registration and medical history, mini-physical, donation, and refreshments) will only take about 45 minutes to one hour.
Will I pass out?
Most donors do not pass out. Just enjoy the snacks ( who doesn't love free food?), hydrate, and stay seated for a few minutes after donating and you will have nothing to worry about!
Will it hurt?
The only pain may be a small pinch when the needle is put in your arm. Afterward, there is no notable sensation while blood is being collected.
AFTER
Where does my blood go?
The blood is first sent to be tested for any transmissible diseases, then sent to hospitals based on need form local distribution centers. All the while, your blood donation is kept at a safe and comfy temperature during it's secure journey.
How long will it be until my blood is replaced?
Blood volume is replaced in 24 short hours! However, you have to wait 56 days to donate again for red blood cells to be replenished.
Any more questions? Visit LifeSouth's website. Hopefully, we have debunked any spooky stories you might have heard about donating blood!
So don't be scared...help save a life donate during the Vampire's Blood Drive!
-The Pledge 5 team
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