Have you been feeling like you want to “give back” but haven’t found the just-right way? Now could be the perfect time to consider donating blood. Blood donation is a vitally important, selfless act, and the few minutes you spend at the donation center hold the power to save lives.
At Fountain Hills Medical Center, we rely on donated blood regularly, and are so thankful for those who dedicate their time in providing it. Not only is January National Blood Donor Month, but blood banks nationwide are seeing critical shortages.
The American Red Cross reports that it is seeing the lowest number of blood donors in 20 years. Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer at Red Cross says, “A person needs lifesaving blood every two seconds in our country — and its availability can be the difference between life and death, however, blood is only available thanks to the generosity of those who roll up a sleeve to donate.”
Wondering who exactly you benefit by donating blood? Those who rely on this charitable act can include those who have recently given birth, cancer patients, victims of car crashes or burns or other traumas, those with blood disorders or anemia, and many others.
And while those performing selfless acts don’t usually need a benefit for themselves in the process, but there are benefits for those donating:
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You get your own health checked
Those donating blood get their vitals checked to ensure participation fitness. You’ll be checked for heart issues, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases.
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Know your blood type?
An estimated third of Americans don’t. If you don’t know this important part of your health history, you’re sure to find out when you donate blood. This information is an important part of being a good health advocate for yourself. You could need to tell a medical personnel your blood type right away if you’re ever experiencing a medical emergency. Plus, research shows that each blood type comes with their own correlation to various heath concerns.
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Health benefits for you
Blood donation could lead to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. Plus donating blood helps you feel connected, valued, and meaningful. And maybe the most fun benefit? A single blood donation takes about 500 calories to replace it, and that can mean a guilt-free splurge on your favorite treat!
While most people are eligible to donate, some exceptions could include those outside height and weight requirements, those with certain kinds of cancer, HIV, malaria, and those who have recently received a blood transfusion.
At Fountain Hills Medical Center, we’re all about giving back. And because blood donation is so vital to our day-to-day practice, we feel especially passionate about this cause. If you have questions about blood donation including what the process looks like, exactly how donated blood benefits our Fountain Hills patients and the surrounding communities, how to prepare your body before donating, and any concerns you may have, our medical staff is here for you.
Chances are you care about someone who has benefited from donated blood. And it’s thanks to the selflessness of a stranger that your loved one received their needed blood transfusion. We ask you to rally your friends, coworkers, family, and neighbors, and cheer each other on to help replenish the dangerously low reserves of life-saving blood. You, your loved ones, and your community will undoubtedly benefit from this regular practice.
SOURCES:
- What’s Your Type and Why Does it Matter? (brgeneral.org)
- Find Out if You Can Give Blood | Giving = Living (hhs.gov)
- What Happens to Donated Blood? | Red Cross Blood Services
- Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage, calls for donations during National Blood Donor Month
- The Surprising Benefits of Donating Blood | Columbia University Irving Medical Center
