How many times in your life can you say you were someone’s hero? Count the number of times you’ve donated blood and you’ve got your answer.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 5 million people need a blood transfusion each year. Those in need range from the tiniest premature babies to trauma victims. Others may have an upcoming surgical procedure and want to bank their own blood, just in case they need a transfusion. But more on that later.

If you’re at least 18 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and are in good health, you the pass the blood donor test. You can donate blood every 56 days. But, statistics show that approximately 5 percent of those who can donate blood actually do.

More than 38 percent of Americans have type O positive blood, according to 2007data released by the American Red Cross. Called “the universal donor,” anyone in need of blood — whether they are type A, B, AB or O — can receive a donation from someone with type O positive blood.

Donating is easy. Donors are prescreened before giving blood to make sure they are suitable for donating. They fill out a questionnaire and give a detailed medical history. Your vital signs, including blood pressure and pulse rate, will be checked. If given the “green light,” you’re ready to go.

The process itself is fairly similar to when you have blood drawn for testing. Tubing or an elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible and easy to put the needle into. Your arm is cleaned, the needle is inserted and the collection process begins. It takes about 20 minutes, and when the process is over you will have given one pint of blood. This one unit of blood will be separated into its three components — red blood cells, platelets and plasma — and can then be used to help three different people.

“Donating blood is a very safe process,” says Faye DeMuth, manager of the CKHS Laboratories. “After you finish, you only need to wait about 5-10 minutes, but after that you can go back to your daily activities.”

It takes several weeks for your body to replaces the lost blood cells. All blood donations are tested for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis and other diseases.

Autologous Donation

Simply stated, autologous donation is banking your blood prior to a planned surgery. It is an “insurance policy” of sorts — the hospital stores the blood in the event you need a transfusion after a surgical procedure. If you do need a transfusion, you get your own blood — obviously a perfect match. Not everyone can donate their own blood, however; certain existing medical conditions may make it too risky. Talk to your doctor to ensure autologous blood donation is right for you.

Unused blood donated by a patient for a postoperative transfusion will be discarded after several weeks.

Giving the Gift of Life

Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Springfield Hospital and Taylor Hospital periodically hold blood donation drives. Coordinated through the American Red Cross, these blood drives have improved, changed or saved the lives of thousands of people in our area and beyond.

According to the American Red Cross, over four million people donate blood via the organization each year, making it the largest supplier of blood in the United States.

For more information about blood drives at a Crozer-Keystone hospital, contact the following individuals: 

• Crozer/Springfield: Marilyn Radley, (610) 447-6301        
• DCMH: Jerri LaRocco, (610) 284-8630
• Taylor: Joanne Daws, (610) 595-6686