Donating Blood Can Help Save Lives
According to the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), every two seconds someone needs blood. On average, over 36,000 units of blood are needed across the country daily. In our community, the Coastal Bend Blood Center reports that in order to maintain the blood supply necessary to serve our area, over 150 people must donate blood per day. Despite this need, approximately 6.8 million people donate blood each year in the United States, which is less than 10% of those eligible to make a donation. Given these facts, I would like to share some important information about blood donation in this week’s article, including an overview of the blood donation process and the ways your donation can help save lives.
On average, one out of every seven people admitted to the hospital needs blood according to the AABB. It is surprising to note, but statistically speaking, almost an overwhelming majority of us will need blood at some point during our lives. This is due to the fact that red blood cells are required to perform a number of vital medical procedures, including organ transplants, treatments for patients with cancer and other diseases, and emergency care for accident and trauma victims. Because blood cannot be manufactured, hospitals and other medical providers must rely on the generosity of donors for the blood needed to carry out life-saving procedures. In addition, red blood cells can only be stored for 42 days, which means new supplies are constantly in demand.
Blood donation is a safe and simple process. The entire process from start to finish takes a little over an hour, while the actual donation takes only 10-12 minutes on average. A donor generally gives one pint of blood per donation. Remarkably, this one donation has the potential to save up to three lives. There are four key steps to the donation process:
1. Registration – Your name, address and a photo ID (such as your driver’s license) are required to donate. However, all information provided during donation is confidential.
2. Mini-Physical & Medical History – Each donor will be asked a series of health questions, including medical history, current medications and recent surgeries. In addition, a phlebotomist will perform a mini-physical, checking a donor’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and iron level. The information gathered helps to ensure donors are healthy enough to donate blood.
3. Donation – A phlebotomist will draw your blood using new, sterile supplies. Save for a small needle stick at the start, the process is painless. Once the draw is complete, the needle will be removed and pressure is applied to the area for a few minutes. Most donors feel fine after giving blood.
4. Refreshment – Following a donation, donors are provided water, juice and cookies as well as post-donation instructions.
Whether is it making a donation or helping with a blood drive, I hope you will consider helping to save lives through blood donation. Both the Coastal Bend Blood Center and the local chapter of the American Red Cross provide a number of opportunities for those seeking to donate blood. Both organizations also work with schools, businesses and other organizations to host blood drives around our community. You can find more information about donation opportunities and other blood donation facts by visiting the Coastal Bend Blood Center. To learn more about the American Red Cross visit the American Red Cross.
If you would like to review more about the legislature, please visit the Texas Legislature Online. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office; 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
