why do we donate blood

by Miss Lempi Langworth Published 1 year ago Updated 8 months ago 9 min read

Why Give Blood

Blood is needed every two seconds.
About one in seven people entering a hospital needs blood.
Blood is always needed for treatment of accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs and surgery patients.
Blood cannot be manufactured.

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components – red cells, platelets and plasma – which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.

Full Answer

What conditions disqualify you from donating blood?

May 19, 2021 · Why Blood Donation is Important – and Who Benefits Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of donating blood?

Why Blood Is Needed. The reason to donate is simple…it helps save lives. In fact, every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood. Since blood cannot be manufactured outside the body and has a limited shelf life, the supply must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors. Blood donors play a vital role in the healthcare of patients in your community. 37% of …

What are the reasons why a person cannot donate blood?

What are the health benefits of giving blood?

What is a reason to donate blood?

Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. But only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly.May 19, 2021

Why should I donate blood 5 Reasons?

5 reasons to donate bloodYou'll help someone else. ... Every donation makes a difference. ... You get a free health check-up. ... All blood types are needed. ... You may need a blood donation in the future.Jan 21, 2021

Is giving blood healthy?

A happier, longer life. One blood donation can save up to three lives, according to DeSimone. People usually donate because it feels good to help others, and altruism and volunteering have been linked to positive health outcomes, including a lower risk for depression and greater longevity.Jan 24, 2022

What are the cons of donating blood?

Here's a closer look at the disadvantages to consider before donating blood.Bruising. When you donate blood, you sit or lie on a reclining chair with your arm extended on an armrest. ... Continued bleeding. ... Dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. ... Pain. ... Physical weakness. ... Time-consuming. ... But donating blood can do a lot of good.

How old do you have to be to give blood?

You probably can. While donors must be at least 17 in most states, there’s no upper age limit for giving blood as long as you are well with no restriction or limitation to your activities. Anne Eder, M.D., executive medical officer of the American Red Cross, says she’s seen people in their 80s giving blood.

Can you donate blood to cancer patients?

Cancer patients are among the most common recipients of blood transfusions. But donations are also used daily for surgery patients, accident victims, organ transplant recipients and burn patients — young and old. 2. You probably can. While donors must be at least 17 in most states, there’s no upper age limit for giving blood ...

How often can you donate red blood cells?

Baker says another type of donation is called double red cell donations, which can be made every 112 days, up to three times per year . “A double red cell donation is an apheresis process where the whole blood is removed, and the red cells separated, while the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.

How old do you have to be to donate blood?

Blood Donation Rules. You must be 18 years old or have parental permission if you’re 16 or 17. You must weigh 120 pounds or more. You need a valid driver’s license or a passport for identification. You must be free of any major organ disease, including heart disease, lung disease and bleeding tendencies.

What are the different types of blood?

In the United States, Baker says group AB is the rarest blood type, followed by group B. Group A and O are the most common blood types. Baker breaks down which blood types can give to one another: 1 Group O red cells can be given to anyone (universal red cell donor is group O). O donors are sought after because their cells can be transfused to the most recipients. 2 Group AB red cells can only be given to someone who is group AB. Group AB can also receive transfusion of red cells of any type: AB, A, B or O. 3 Group O can only receive transfusion of O red cells.

Why are donations important?

2. It Saves Lives. Donations are essential for trauma patients and people undergoing a variety of situations, including surgeries, transplants, chronic illnesses, blood disorders and cancer. Because over 90% of people who are eligible to donate do not, Baker says there’s always a need for donors.

What is the rarest blood type?

Rarest Blood Type. In the United States, Baker says group AB is the rarest blood type, followed by group B. Group A and O are the most common blood types. Baker breaks down which blood types can give to one another: Group O red cells can be given to anyone (universal red cell donor is group O).

How long do you have to wait to get a tattoo?

You must wait 12 months if you had a tattoo applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. That includes District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming. Recent surgery or travel may mean deferral.

Can you feel pain after donating blood?

4. There’s Little Pain Involved. When the needle is inserted, you may feel uncomfortable but shouldn’t while the blood is being drawn. If your arm feels sore after donating, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliver with acetaminophen to alleviate the achiness.

What is the role of blood donors?

Blood donors play a vital role in the healthcare of patients in your community . 37% of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet only 5% actually do. With every blood donation, you are providing strength, hope and courage to patients and their families in your local hospitals. View more reasons to donate here.

Why is blood needed?

In fact, every two seconds of every day, someone needs blood. Since blood cannot be manufactured outside the body and has a limited shelf life, the supply must constantly be replenished by generous blood donors.