According to the National Blood Data Research Center, the United States needs an estimated 38,000 units of blood on any given day. While 60 percent of U.S. residents are eligible to give blood, only 5 percent actually do.
This summer, the blood supply hit a critical low. Some areas of the country could not meet a single day’s requirement of blood supply, while others were on local emergency appeal.
It is not difficult to find a blood drive in our area. In fact, each Crozer-Keystone Health System hospital hosts one to four blood drives a year.
Delaware County Memorial Hospital, in fact, received the “Spirit of Excellence” Award from the American Red Cross for increasing its blood donations by 101 percent over the previous year. DCMH was acknowledged as the top donor hospital of over 100 hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Giving blood is quick and easy. The actual blood donation time is under 10 minutes, and the whole process can be completed in under an hour. And your blood donations can help save the lives of as many as three people.
When you arrive you will be asked to supply a form of identification as well as your name, date of birth, and social security number. A physical examination will be done to check your temperature, blood pressure and pulse. In addition to that, a drop of your blood will be tested to ensure that you have enough red blood cells to safely donate more blood. A confidential interview about your past and present lifestyle will be conducted to determine your eligibility to give blood. When the interview is over, you will be asked to fill out a form saying that you believe your blood is safe to be donated to others.
The supplies used to withdraw the blood are sterile and are only used once. In the beginning, you will feel a small prick or sting from the needle. About 10 minutes later, the process will be over, and you will have donated approximately a pint of life-saving blood.
If you are 17 years old or older, weigh over 110 pounds and feel that you are in good health, you may be qualified to give blood. To find the nearest blood donation drive and to schedule an appointment, simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on to www.givelife.org.