Donate Blood

Imagine you get a phone call from a police officer. Fearing something horrible, you sit down. As you fear, it's not good news. The Officer reports that a loved one was involved in a serious auto accident. You rush to the hospital and wait in line at the emergency room. When you get to the window, you frantically ask about your loved one's status. He is in critical condition, requiring multiple units of blood. You are asked about your blood type as they have no more available. If your loved one needs just one more unit, he may not make it without your assistance.

Do you know your blood type? Would you give blood to save his life? Would you give blood to save someone else?

Good men and women put themselves in harm’s way for us every day - military, law enforcement, firefighters. We can make a small sacrifice, perhaps in their honor. Consider being a hero by being a donor.

The need for blood is critical right now. As someone who has donated consistently three times per year since 2004 and sporadically before then, I've been getting multiple emails and texts every time I'm eligible because of the urgency of the current needs.

COVID has created problems for donations (as it has with so many elements of life in this decade.) At the peak of the pandemic, blood drives ceased. Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) and other blood donation companies have been scrambling to catch up.

Here are Vitalant’s requirements in the U.S.

In order to donate blood, you must:

• Weigh 110 pounds

• Be 18 years old (some states allow 16 and 17-year-olds with parental consent)
• Be in good general health
• Bring an ID and/or donor card

What to expect.

When you donate blood for the first time, you will need to fill out a Health History questionnaire. If you've donated before, many states have a Fast Track or Rapid Pass questionnaire with fewer questions, to be filled out on the day of your donation. You will be asked about some obscure diseases, how recently you have had piercings, tattoos, or pregnancies, and if you've had sex with anyone who could have tested positive for HIV. Fair enough, right? They don't want to put you or anyone else in danger, and they certainly don't want any lawsuits.

On the day of your donation, drink LOTS of water. This really makes a difference. Early on - just once - I didn't drink enough fluid. My blood literally clotted in the middle of my donation, and they had to stop. I still had to wait eight weeks before I was eligible again.

For my latest appointment, I couldn't get in on a Saturday, so I scheduled during my 45-minute lunch break. Since I had hydrated, it went fast, and I barely made it back to work in time.

When you arrive, they will take your vitals. You will be asked to verify the information on your Fast Track or Rapid Pass, and they will prick your finger to test a bit of blood to ensure your iron level is high enough.

When a chair is available, you will need to verify your name and date of birth. The phlebotomists and nurses are great about working with nervous donors. Although I’ve never experienced the issue myself, I’ve witnessed it several times. Be honest about your state of mind, and they will help you stay calm and complete your donation.

My husband has a major needle phobia. It takes him longer to donate a pint of blood since his anxiety affects his heart rate, but he has donated in spite of this. If he can do it, chances are you can too.

Afterward, you will be asked to stay for approximately 15 minutes in case of adverse side effects and to rehydrate. Often, people read or play games on devices during and after their donations.

If you are willing and able, please take the time and effort to donate blood. You never know whose hero you will be.