Blood donation – you’ve probably been seeing a lot about this topic for months. I know I have – messages popping up across social media about the urgent need for blood donations.
In January, the Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage, experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years. And I saw another staggering statistic that only 3% of eligible people participate in donation events.
But then I stopped and thought about it. Why should I be surprised? I’m part of the problem. I haven’t donated blood in probably 20 years. And I know better. As a kid, I remember going with my dad as he regularly donated blood. And just a few weeks ago, I sat with my mom as she received a blood transfusion. This wasn’t the first time. She’s had multiple transfusions since being diagnosed with cancer in August of 2022. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people were expected to be diagnosed with cancer last year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. And still, I haven’t given a donation.
As I drove by a local church holding a blood drive the other day, I wondered what I was waiting for. I think it goes back to either hearing something or being told at one point that I wasn’t eligible because of a medical condition or medication I was taking. I don’t even recall what it was, so I can’t be sure I wouldn’t be eligible now. And it seems I’m not alone in that thinking.
The Red Cross is urging individuals who at one time we’re not eligible to try again. It’s likely that blood donation guidelines have changed since then.
Here are some facts about blood donation, from the Red Cross:
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
- Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
- Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed everyday in the U.S.
- A single-car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
- One donation can help save more than one life.
Most people want to make a difference in the world; this is a simple way to do just that. And you’re doing more than making a difference, you could quite literally save a life…possibly more. All it takes is a few hours of your time. When I looked up local blood drives on the Red Cross website, I was surprised to find almost a dozen blood drives taking place near me, within the next month. And after a short drive, the blood donation process takes less than an hour and a half.
It’s time. No more excuses. No more depending on what was true years ago. Please join me in taking the time to find out if you’re eligible for blood donation and making an appointment. If you need a reason, remember my mama…and the almost 2 million people who will likely be diagnosed with cancer this year and desperately need blood to survive.
Your blood donation matters! Find more information or a local blood drive near you at The Red Cross.
