Why It's Important to Give Blood

The need for blood never takes a holiday. Mary Beth Marsden and Wes Haynes, District Manager, Donor Recruitment at the Red Cross, talked about why you should consider becoming a regular blood donor, how to find out if you’re eligible to donate, and how you can still help even if you can’t be a donor.

“The need for blood is constant,” Wes said. “We often get a spike in donations after a disaster, but then they taper off. What people may not realize is that in the case of a disaster, the most important blood is the blood we already have in our blood bank. And even when there is no disaster, people still need blood every day, whether they’re having surgery, have been in an accident, or are undergoing treatment for cancer. Only 38% of people in America are eligible to donate blood and only 10% of that group do so, so we really need everyone who can donate to consider giving blood.”

Every eligible donor can give one pint of blood every 56 days. You don’t need to know your blood type to be a donor, you just need to be in good health, age 16 or older, and at least 110 pounds. The blood you donate is broken down into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets and each blood product is used for different types of patients. Plasma, for example, is often used as part of the treatment for burn victims, while platelets can help cancer patients better manage some of the side effects of chemotherapy.

Wes shared his tips for donors, which include eating foods rich in iron for a few days prior to donation as well as reducing caffeine intake, drinking a lot water, and eating a healthy meal the day you’re giving blood. “Our staff does this every day and they’re good at it,” he added. “And how often can you save three lives in one hour? That’s just what you do every time you donate blood.”

Mary Beth also talked with Samantha, a young mother who needed a transfusion after she experienced a hemorrhage caused by a retained placenta two weeks after the birth of her daughter. “Before the transfusion I couldn’t lift my head, sit up, or hold my baby because I was so weak,” she said. “After, it’s the best I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m so grateful that the blood was there for me. You never know when you’ll be the one who needs it. I have a completely different outlook on blood donation now. If you can give, please do.”