Appeal for Blood Donations... Can You Help

     Good morning, ya'll...  I recently received a post that stated that there is currently a national shortage of O NEGATIVE Red Cells.  The Blood Bank in my area was "actively appealing" for donors.  Many of you probably are not familiar with the whole blood donation process or why there is even a need.  So, let my try to enlighten you.  I am going to try not to get too technical or scientific but there are some things you need to know that may help you understand a little better.




     First the basics.  Blood is a body fluid that flows through our veins and arteries delivering much needed nutrients and oxygen to our cells and taking away metabolic waste  from those same cells.   The blood cells are actually suspended in blood plasma.  The plasma is made up of many things including water (92% is water--that's why drinking water is so important), proteins, minerals, hormones, glucose, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.  Blood keeps everything in our body regulated-- blood pressure, glucose (think sugar diabetes), hydration, clotting, oxygen levels (think blood doping), just to name a few things-- as long as it is in proper working order.  When you are low in your blood source because of injuries, burns, dehydration, infections, etc... you may need to have a blood transfusion.  That transfusion will only happen if there is a supply of your blood type available.




     Let's start with some statistics.  According to BloodSource:

• About 1 in every person is eligible to donate blood, but on about 1 in 10 actually does.
• Approximately 40,000 pints of blood are used every day in the United States
• Approximately 1 out of every 7 people entering the hospital needs blood
• If 20 people donate, they could help 1 burn victim
• Blood lasts only 42 days (expiration)
• 1 donation can save up to  3 lives 

     What you may not realize is that the blood that is used has already been sitting on the shelves somewhere.  Remember it has to be ready to go before it is needed.  Blood cannot be manufactured.  All blood cannot be given to all people.  There are various blood types, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+, and O-.Just remember that pricking your finger and holding it up to your best friends' finger is not how transfusions go.  Transfusions are not done with your average blood brother. 
If you are given the incorrect type of blood your body can reject it and you will have a bad reaction that can lead to death.
Here is a simple chart to show who can receive what types of blood.

As you look at the chart you will see that O- can be received by anyone.  This is why O NEGATIVE blood is called the universal donor.  It is in great demand and always short in supply.


     According to the American Red Cross,  donating blood is an easy process.  It involves registration at your donor location, a mini-physical with questionnaire, the donation and refreshments.  The mini-physical involves checking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin all to ensure that it is safe for the you as the donor can give blood.  The actual process takes no more than 15 minutes.
The average adult has about 10 pints of blood circulating in their system.  Your donation is 1 pint.  There are time restraints on how often you can donate blood  because you must allow your body to regenerate it's blood loss.  ALL blood donations are tested for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases before it can be processed and released to hospital.  Most important for some people is that the information you provide to the American Red Cross during the donation process is confidential.


     Some American Red Cross Facts:

• Most people give blood because they "want to help others". 
•  Many people do not because they "never considered it" or they "don't like needles"
• Type O NEGATIVE is only found in 9% of the US population

     Although O- blood is in demand, ALL blood types are needed at some point in time.  We never really know when the need arises because it's not something you plan for.  It's always during an emergency or when a newborn is born. 
     So, if you are healthy enough to be a donor, take the time to consider and do it.  You may save a life.  Contact your local Blood Bank or American Red Cross locations.  Here are a couple of websites that will direct you to a blood donation site near you:

• www.Americasblood.org
• www.redcrossblood.org

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