Donating blood? What have you got to lose?
One pint, actually.The average person has between eight and twelve pints of blood, plenty for the body’s needs, which means you have at least one pint to spare. And that pint can save three lives.
How often do we hear that through the small things we do, the random acts of kindness, we leave footprints behind for others to follow?
We know this. We believe this. But we often get so caught up in our daily lives, with work and family and who knows what else, that attempts to circulate our gifts outside our inner circle often get put on the back burner.
Gift of Blood
Well, there’s a way to give that fits into even the busiest schedule.
Donating blood.
For me, that means a visit to BloodSource, which provides blood to nearly 40 hospitals in 25 Northern and Central California counties.
All it takes is an appointment (though BloodSource accommodates walk-ins) and about an hour of my time, no strings attached.
The staff is always appreciative and considerate of my comfort (Thanks Juanita). After all, I’m giving the gift of life, something money can’t buy.
Consider these facts:
- There is no substitute for human blood.
- People are the only source of blood for those who need it.
- In the US, someone needs red blood cell transfusions every three seconds.
- One to three people will need a blood transfusion in their life time.
- One unit of blood can be separated into several components: red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate (thus saves more than one life).
- Much of today’s medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors.
- Thirteen tests (11 for infectious diseases) are performed on each unit of donated blood.
- 17 percent of non-donors cite “never thought about it” as the main reason for not giving.
- If only one more percent of all Americans would give blood, blood shortages would disappear for the foreseeable future.
The total time it takes for an average blood donation is one hour.
The steps involved are:
- Registration.
- Mini physical: Pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, Hemoglobin.
- Donation (8-10 minutes).
- Refreshments (10-15 minutes).
Some benefits are:
- You get a donor receipt with a record of your blood type, blood pressure, and total donations.
- You get a mini physical.
- Your blood gets tested for at least eleven infectious diseases.
- You get yummy snacks (apple juice, granola bars, almonds, chocolate chip cookies).
- You end up feeling like a hero.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.”
Can’t think of a better promotion for blood donation than that.
And the nice thing about this gift is that it’s anonymous.
None of that nonsense about depriving the receiver of his liberty and dignity or of your gift being like a hook.
Since Emerson is such a quotable guy, I’ll pass on another one of his gifts of insight (He contributed to mental health with his affirmations rather than physical health with his blood):
“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.”
Take care, and while you’re leaving those footprints behind, make them firm and deep so they’re easy to follow.
Yes, Emerson is great.
Can you imagine his mother? "I want to grow up, have a baby boy, and name him Ralph Waldo." I don't think so. Nevertheless, she did, and in addition to quotable, his name is rememberable (slightly different from memorable, which he also is).
Re: donating blood. I remember the first time I did it. I was just barely old enough, and my brother wasn't quite, so he lied about his age, because we had an uncle in hospital and the rest of the family was donating in his name.
I can no longer give blood because I've had internal bleeding problems, but my husband has donated more than 100 times. It is easy to do, as you said, and it makes you feel so useful afterward.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Hi Kay. I admire Emerson's talent, and I love his name. His mother must have been a very interesting person to name and raise a son like him.
There are many people who are disappointed that they can't donate blood, because of low iron or low blood pressure or any number of reasons. Fortunately, people in good health, such as your husband, can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to give.
Well, you learn something new every day. Thanks for this info. I admit, I've never donated blood, but most of the reason is because I tend to pass out when I get blood test, which takes all of 3 seconds.
Is Blood Source the one in midtown with the paint poles out front?
Hi Margaret (Nanny Goats). There are three Blood Source locations in the area. One in Midtown on 1608 Q Street, one in Sierra Oaks, 3099 Fair Oaks Blvd., and one in Elk/Grove Laguna on 9105 Bruceville Road, Suite 6-A. A woman giving blood the same time as me (a regular donor) got light-headed and a staff member put a wet cloth on her forehead. She joked about it, and was fine after a few minutes, especially when it came to snack time–so many choices. But if you have a tendency to pass out–you might have to pass on this form of giving. One of your gifts is your blog, which is informative and makes many people smile (contribution to mental health, like Emerson). Thanks so much for stopping by.
I donate blood every few months. I have O+, which everyone can take, and they love to have. My son has a rare blood type, and is also in demand. I've never had a problem giving it. I started regularly during 911, and haven't stopped.
Hi Lee. Giving blood since 911. Good for you. You have a blood type everyone can use but me. I'm 0-, which means I can only take 0- blood. I believe people with 0- are called Universal donors, since their blood can be taken by everyone, including 0-.