Reason #1:
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. That means more than 38,000 blood donations are needed per day. Currently, less than 38% of the population is eligible to give blood, with only 3 out of every 100 Americans actually donating. It’s a very elite group, but they’re always looking to expand membership.
Reason #2:
There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from a pint of whole blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. As each pint of donated whole blood is separated into two or three of these products, each donation can help save up to three lives.
Reason #3:
Donating blood is a simple four-step process: registration, medical history and mini-physical, donation and refreshments (cookies!) The whole process takes no more than one hour and 15 minutes with the actual blood collection taking about 12 minutes.
Reason #4:
The two most common reasons people don’t give blood are, “I never thought about it” and “I don’t like needles.” Well, we’re thinking about it right now! And, let’s face it, as cancer survivors, haven’t we dealt with much worse than a needle prick. Plus, blood donation is an opportunity to volunteer, rather than be drafted. Wouldn’t it feel good to put out your arm for a cause and walk away knowing you’ve contributed to the good health of someone other than yourself?
Reason #5:
More than 1 million new people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that, as cancer survivors, many of us are eligible to donate blood to the many cancer patients who sorely need it? I give blood at Overlook Hospital as a way to give back for all I have received from its cancer center. If you are interested in donating blood, you can reach out to your hospital, cancer center, or the American Red Cross.
If you are eligible, please consider donating blood. When I do it always gives me a really good feeling and I hope it does the same for you. I’d love to hear about your blood donation experiences.
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