Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. People who suffer from conditions ranging from Sickle Cell anemia, Leukemia, to traumatic accidents rely on transfusions for their survival. And to lie in waiting is not a luxury that they can afford.
The Red Cross estimates that one single donation saves up to three lives and with over 300 million individuals residing in the USA, the strain on blood banks to provide is constant. Yet, this strain can be aided by the establishment of reoccurring blood drives similar to our own.
Hesitation toward such donations is common, however, most participants would argue that the procedure is entirely painless. With a rapid screening of your blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin to ensure you’re in proper health, you’ll move onto the 15-minute donation process—followed by as many snacks as you desire.
Despite the ultimate purpose of donating blood, which is to assist those in dire need, the donors themselves also experience a few benefits as a result. Regular donations can boost emotional well-being, regulate irons levels, and promote better health awareness for those to choose to remain consistent participants.
While the majority of people are relatively familiar with the process of whole blood donations, platelet donations are another crucial way to help those in need. Platelets are cell fragments in your blood that are essential for clotting and are most often needed by cancer patients undergoing treatment, individuals with blood disorders, and those recovering from organ transplants.
Platelet donations slightly differ from whole blood ones, with the procedure taking between 1 and 2 hours and your presence in an actual clinic. However, this process is equally as impactful as the previous one mentioned considering its short shelf life of just five days, meaning that regular donations are needed to meet the demand of its necessity.
Both blood and platelet supplies run low despite efforts to combat its decrease, especially in the winter months. By participating, you’re actively contributing to maintaining the health of an individual anywhere in the United States while possible inspiring friends and family to become involved as well.
Those you meet assisting in the donation process are trained professionals who are there to prioritize your comfort and safety, ensuring that your experience, whether it be the first or fifth, is the smoothest you’ve ever had the privilege of.
The life-saving impact of your involvement out-weights the slight inconvenience of the process. So, mark your calendars and be ready for the next blood drive.
For those interested in finding a nearby clinic.
