January is National Blood Donor Month.
Every day, thousands of people throughout the nation want a valuable useful resource: blood. They depend on people who find themselves prepared to assist.
In the event you give blood, you assist every kind of individuals, together with those that have been in accidents or have been burnt, are getting therapy for cancer or sickle cell disease, or have acquired an organ transplant or had coronary heart surgical procedure, amongst others.
“Blood can’t be manufactured and may solely come from beneficiant people who roll up a sleeve to donate it,” mentioned Catherine A. Mazzei, M.D., the medical director for the American Pink Cross.
Through the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations dropped drastically. Now, the Pink Cross is working to recruit extra blood donors, particularly in the course of the busy vacation season and winter, when donations tend to decrease.
“Sadly, solely about 3% of the inhabitants offers blood, and of those that do, most solely give a pair occasions a yr. By giving blood usually, individuals may also help stop blood shortages.”
Read more about what happens after you donate blood>>
Excited about changing into a blood donor? Listed below are the solutions to widespread questions individuals ask about giving blood.
How usually are you able to donate blood?
Each 56 days — or as much as six occasions a yr.
How a lot blood do you donate?
Round one pint.
How lengthy does it take to donate blood?
It solely takes between eight to 10 minutes to donate a pint, however the entire course of takes round an hour. The method contains studying kinds, filling out a well being historical past questionnaire, and having your temperature, blood strain and iron ranges checked.
Are you able to donate blood should you take treatment?
Whereas most drugs don’t have an effect on your eligibility to donate blood, some require a ready interval. You will discover eligibility information on the Pink Cross web site, or verify with employees members at a blood drive.
Are you able to give blood whereas in your interval?
Sure, however some ladies have lower iron levels throughout their interval and might want to wait till they rebound to donate.
Are you able to donate blood should you’ve had Covid-19?
Sure. You too can donate blood whether or not you’ve been vaccinated or not. Nevertheless, should you’re not feeling effectively, you need to reschedule your appointment.
Are you able to donate blood should you smoke?
Sure, so long as you meet all different eligibility necessities.
What are platelet donations?
Platelets are one element of blood. When platelets are donated, they’re separated from plasma and purple blood cells, that are then returned to your physique.
You too can donate plasma, which can help people with liver illness, burns and different traumas.
What are platelets used for?
Platelets are a key clotting element of blood that assist most cancers sufferers, surgical sufferers and bone marrow transplant recipients.
How lengthy does it take to donate platelets?
Platelet donation can take as much as two and a half hours. Plasma additionally takes roughly the identical period of time to donate.
How usually are you able to donate platelets?
You may donate platelets each seven days, as much as a most of 24 times a yr.
The place are you able to give blood?
To discover a location close to you the place you may give blood, go to the Red Cross web site. You too can use their instrument to search out upcoming blood drive dates.
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