When I was in college (which wasn’t that long ago), blood drives were held on campus every six or eight weeks. Other college students would man sign-up tables leading up to the blood drive, and I always avoided them if I could. Why? I guess I just didn’t want to donate blood! Plus, I figured enough other college students would sign up. If those volunteers tried to encourage me to sign up, I would laugh and joke as I walked by, “Haha, I don’t have any blood!”
Haha. Right.
But then came the summer of 2008. It was the summer between my junior and senior years of college. Right at the beginning of summer, my younger sister had a medical emergency and lost a lot of blood. In the hospital, she received four units of blood (that’s a lot), and, thank God, she was able to recover. At that time, it hit me in a personal way that blood donation is crucial. I was and am so grateful for those four units of blood – and the four people who donated them.
When I went back to college that fall for my senior year, I couldn’t wait for the first blood drive. Even though I wasn’t familiar with the process, I knew the unknowns would be worth it if my donation could help somebody else. I donated blood as often as I could during my senior year, and I have continued to donate when I’m able.
Why? Because it makes a difference.
The cost to donors is not much:
-time. There’s an initial form to sign, some basic questions to answer (mainly to check if it’s possible for a potential donor to give) and a quick finger prick to test iron levels. Then there’s the actual donation itself, which doesn’t take long at all. From filling out the initial form to the end of the donation, the total time is an hour on average.
-a pint of blood. That may sound like a lot, but in most cases, an adult human body can safely donate a pint of blood. Plus, bodies will replace this blood within several weeks (which is why donors have to wait a set amount of time before donating again).
-a bit of recovery time. Donors may feel a bit more tired than usual for a day or so, but that’s totally normal. People who exercise frequently will be encouraged not to do any heavy lifting after donating blood. Also, it may take several days for athletic performance to recover (so it’s not a great idea to donate right before a race or other important athletic event).
-and that’s it. No, really. That’s all, folks!
It’s a really simple process, and it’s not painful: There’s the quick finger prick, which is not even worth mentioning, and the needle, which is only a temporary feeling. Oh, and for you squeamish types, donors are allowed to look away! Nobody is forced to watch.
So if you’re considering becoming a blood donor but just aren’t sure, JUST DO IT! Seriously. It could save a life. Here are some tips:
-If you don’t know what blood type you have, don’t let that stop you! In fact, let it motivate you; it will give you a chance to find out your blood type. All blood is tested to confirm the type (even for people who know what type they are). Several weeks after my first donation, I received a blood donor card in the mail with my blood type on it. Very cool.
-Stay hydrated throughout the day and be sure to eat plenty before you donate. The first time I donated blood, I went with a friend who had consumed one cup of coffee all day; I had been drinking water and eating. Well, my donation went quickly and I was fine immediately after, but my friend’s experience wasn’t so smooth.
-Take your time recovering right after you donate. There are always snacks and juices for replenishment. Sit down, relax, eat cookies, and drink juice. Even if you don’t need it, it’s nice to know it’s there.
-Be totally honest on your questionnaires/forms and with the phlebotomists. If you’re getting over being sick or if you’re not feeling 100 percent for any reason, let them know. Here’s why: Donated blood will most likely be going to people with compromised immune systems, so it should be quality, uncompromised blood. All blood is screened anyway, but it will save time and resources if you and the phlebotomist determine that it would be best to hold off on donating for a health-related reason.
-If you’re not sure where to donate, do an Internet search (most blood banks have websites or at least contact information that’s posted online) or call a local hospital to find out where nearby donation sites are.
In fact, the company I work for held an on-site blood drive a few months ago (yay!!). My iron levels are usually borderline (and lately they’ve been on the “too low to donate” side of borderline), but I signed up for the blood drive and ate plenty of iron-rich foods in the weeks leading up to the blood drive. Well…
…my iron levels were high enough! I was ecstatic and could not stop grinning throughout the entire donation process.
***WARNING: Needle-in-arm picture below!***
Goodbye, pint of blood. I know you’ll do good work in your new home.
As expected, it was quick, not painful, and totally worth it. It means so much to me to be able to donate blood.
Me, myself, and I (minus a pint of blood) ready to drive home
That pint was for you, little sis. I love you!
Still grinning (with my post-donation bandaged arm and a thumbs-up)
In case I haven’t emphasized this enough: GO DONATE BLOOD! JUST DO IT! It could – and in all likelihood will – save a life.
Operation Life 