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Why Should I Donate Blood?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The simplest reason to donate blood is also the best: when you donate blood, you can save someone else's life. For people who need additional motivations, there are lots of other reasons to consider giving a blood donation, and to make a regular habit of donating. It is important to keep in mind that there is no synthetic replacement for whole blood, and that whole blood and a number of blood products are derived exclusively from donors, which means that a blood donation provides the medical community with a resource which would otherwise be unobtainable.

According to statistics maintained by the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Maintaining the blood supply to meet the needs for blood is a tough task, because blood has a short shelf life, and shortages are a recurring problem. Blood is used in surgery, emergency medical treatment, and the treatment and management of a number of diseases. The need for blood, in other words, never stops.

A blood donation station.
A blood donation station.

People who are interested in community service and want to contribute to their communities may want to donate blood as a way of getting involved in the community and promoting community welfare. Patients who have benefited from blood transfusions may want to consider giving blood as an expression of appreciation for the anonymous donor or donors who benefited them, and giving blood also ensures that there will be blood when the donor, a friend, or a family member needs it. People who would prefer to know where their donation is going can engage in directed donation, banking blood in advance of a surgical procedure for themselves or giving blood to a friend or family member in need.

Each time a blood donor donates the samples are screened for abnormalities and diseases.
Each time a blood donor donates the samples are screened for abnormalities and diseases.

Another reason to donate blood is that it comes with a free mini-physical. While people should not donate blood if they think they are unhealthy, or use blood donation as a free STI screening, giving blood provides people with an opportunity to be seen by a nurse who will take vital signs and provide basic information about the donor's health, and if problems are identified when the blood is screened, the donor will be notified. This screening process is done to confirm that the blood will be safe to use, but it also benefits the donor.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.

People with type O negative blood are in especially high demand as donors, because their blood can be infused into anyone. People with rare blood types may also be appreciated as donors, as their gift of rare blood can help someone with the same blood type who may be in need. However, all blood types are equally welcome at blood banks and blood drives.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

jholcomb

My work was having a blood drive and I wasn't sure if I would be able to donate because I take a few different medications. But I looked to see who can donate blood and it turns out that none of my meds are a problem. (Some prostate meds, for instance, are a big no-no because they cause birth defects).

The blood drive wasn't bad at all, so I'm planning to go back as soon as I'm eligible again in a couple months. They did say that I could come in to donate blood platelets before then, though, as soon as my iron levels rebound.

rugbygirl

My favorite part of donating blood is the snacks! I always get cookies and juice afterwards.

I used to donate regularly, but then I was pregnant and now I'm breastfeeding and my iron isn't high enough. Please pick up the slack for me! You can make sure you meet blood donation requirements by looking at the American Red Cross website before you go in. (For instance, you can't donate if you've recently had a tattoo.)

mendocino

If a surgery is planned it is a good idea to donate blood to yourself in advance, just in case it is needed. Years ago, I did just that.

However, if at all possible donating blood occasionally for someone else is a generous, and charitable act.

American Red Cross pushes for blood donation during certain times of the year. January is one of those month when the Red Cross actively asks for donations.

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    • A blood donation station.
      By: .shock
      A blood donation station.
    • Each time a blood donor donates the samples are screened for abnormalities and diseases.
      By: frog-travel
      Each time a blood donor donates the samples are screened for abnormalities and diseases.
    • According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
      By: Pei Lin
      According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
    • Donating blood helps save lives.
      By: wellphoto
      Donating blood helps save lives.
    • One pint of donated blood can help up to three different people.
      By: kasto
      One pint of donated blood can help up to three different people.
    • Individuals with O negative blood type are considered universal donors, meaning that they can donate blood to anyone.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Individuals with O negative blood type are considered universal donors, meaning that they can donate blood to anyone.