Did you know just one blood donation can save up to three lives? Blood drives can help people of all ages, burn victims, accidents, those who battle cancer, and organ transplants. There is no substitute for human blood. Those who can give blood should take donating into consideration. People who donate can help lower blood pressure, lower risk for heart attacks, save a life, and can get paid up to $350. So why is it important for people to donate blood?
Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S needs blood and or platelets. Cancer patients need blood transfusions to help prevent anemia. Chemotherapy can change the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells which can lead to anemia. “My blood transfusion helped save my life during chemotherapy. My blood would be watery and made me experience tons of nose bleeds but when I received my blood transfusion and platelets, it made me feel much better within a day,”says Brandon Subirias, a 16-year-old boy who successfully beat cancer.
Those who can qualify to give blood should donate. Just in the Salt Lake Area, you can donate blood at Biomat USA, American Red Cross Donation, ARUP Blood Services, Salt Lake City Blood Services, and at Kearns High School. Mark your calendars for March 6, 2024, to donate blood right in the Kearns High cafeteria. To qualify you must be in good health and feeling well, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, you must be at least 16 years old, vaccinated for influenza, RSV, pneumonia, and meningitis. Although blood donations are helpful, they can be frightening to receive or give. Blood donations are safe, but some diseases and bacteria can get in during a blood transfusion. “My biggest fear while receiving my blood transfusion was watching the blood go into my body and not knowing where it’s from” says Brandon. Best Equipment gets sterilized or disposed of to reduce risk of infection. Also, patients who give blood get physical exams to make sure they’re healthy to donate.
Individuals who chose to donate will take approximately 8-10 minutes. After their donation, they can enjoy a snack and drink for about 10 minutes and go on with their day. Those who receive blood can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. “It usually depends on the person how long it will take to be given the blood based on how much they need but I took about 2 hours,” states Brandon. Donors can donate as frequently as every 56 days up to 6 times a year. “I just received a blood transfusion once to help with my anemia during my chemotherapy,” explained Brandon. blood donations can help save those who get in accidents, have organ transplants, burn victims, those who are battling cancer and so much more. You can get more information about blood drives at https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/types-of-blood-donations/whole-blood-donation.html. Your