CFNN Reporters: Contessa Williams and Madeline Seagroves

Blood drives are crucial events that play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of our communities. Every year, millions of patients require blood transfusions due to various medical situations. The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units, and a single car accident patient can require as many as 100 liters of blood. 

Blood drives aim to help bridge this gap and ensure that hospitals have enough blood to meet patients’ needs. It is very important to go and donate blood if you’re 16 years or older as you can give one pint of blood. After you donate, you must wait up to 8 weeks for your next donation. Whole blood donors can donate up to 6 times a year!

About every two seconds someone in a U.S hospital needs blood. Blood type O negative and O positive are the highest in demand, but there are four main blood types (A, B, AB, and O), all of which can be accepted, and are encouraged to donate.

When it is time to participate in the actual blood donation process, it should usually take about 8-15 minutes. A needle will be inserted into a vein in  your arm and one unit, approximately 450 ML, of blood will be collected. The body will replace that missing blood within just a few weeks.  

“It takes up to 15 minutes to donate your blood and to me that time doesn’t matter because I know that I just possibly saved up to 3 people.” Said one of our generous donors, Hailey Bartholomew.

“If it is needed for me to give blood to help people live then as long as I am eligible I will always give,” said Esther Huh, another one of our generous donors.

“One donation can potentially save three lives. NICU babies, car accident patients, surgeries, and any traumatic injuries always need blood. There are certain medications that you cannot donate blood on, but they will screen for that,” said Mrs Kennedy. 

Medicines that will make you ineligible to give blood include accutane, antibiotics, antiplatelet meds, avodart, blood thinners , bovine insulin, Hepatitis B immune Globulin, human derived growth hormones, jalyn, propecia, proscar, soritain, Tegison, and unlicensed vaccines. 

Donating blood will not just benefit the patient, it can also benefit the donor that is going to give as well! Not only can donors feel good about giving blood, as they know that it will help their community, but it can also reduce the risks of medical conditions such as heart attacks, cardiovascular risks, and cancer. It can also help balance your iron levels. 

Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular donor, your contribution can make a huge impact. By participating in or organizing blood drives, we can all play a part in maintaining a steady and reliable blood supply for those who need it most.