Give the Gift of Life
Give blood, give life: One hour out of your day can truly be life-saving
Every two seconds, someone in America needs a blood transfusion. Be it for scheduled surgeries and childbirth to trauma and cancer treatments, one in seven patients entering a hospital requires blood.
According to America's Blood Centers, 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, but only 3% do. Although that generous 3% donates over 13 million units annually, it’s not enough to meet the ongoing need.
Did you know…?
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A car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
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Transfusions are needed in the U.S. in one out of every 83 deliveries.
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More than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer.
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Red blood cell donations must be transfused within 42 days of collection.
SOURCES: America’s Blood Centers and The Association for Blood Donor Professionals
If you’ve never given blood before, it’s natural to be nervous the first time. Here’s what you should know about giving and what to expect from the experience:
To Give
You must be:
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Be 17 years of age or older, or 16 with parental consent.
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Weigh at least 110 pounds. Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.
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In good health.
When Giving
You will need to:
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Sign in, show an ID, and be asked to read some required information.
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Answer some questions online or in a private interview and receive a general health check.
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Be seated or lie down while blood is drawn, which will take only 8-10 minutes.
FYI:
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Beyond the initial needlestick that lasts one or two seconds, the process of donating is pain-free.
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A Red Cross representative will be present to make sure you’re feeling well throughout the donation and to answer any questions you may have.
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When you give blood, you also give away calories, about 650 per pint.
After Giving:
You will:
In all, the entire donation process takes about an hour.
If you have questions about factors that may influence your ability to give, including tattoos, medications, blood pressure, etc., visit the American Red Cross Blood Services page.
You may also want to check out the Red Cross’ “What to Expect” page, which is filled with helpful tips for ensuring your first (of hopefully many) donation goes smoothly.
To find blood donation centers and community blood drives, click here or visit the Red Cross website to schedule your donation.
Angela Theiss, MD, is a pathologist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care, in Bennington.
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