Why donating blood is important

Donating blood may make some feel queasy, but doing so can help save many lives. Let’s look at why giving blood is both a helpful and important humanitarian act. 

Image source: dailydot.com

Firstly, the process of donating blood is simple. You need to register, get your medical history checked, have a mini-physical, then make the donation. It is safe, too, requiring the use of a sterile needle that is unique to each donor and discarded immediately after use. The entire blood donation typically takes no more than 10 to 12 minutes. 

The average adult has about 10 pints of blood in his body, and about one pint is given during a donation. A healthy donor may donate red blood cells every 56 days, or double red cells every 112 days. Four types of transfusable products can be derived from our blood: red cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate. From a pint of donated blood, two or three of these transfusable products are produced. This means that each donation can help save more than one life. 

We often donate blood because a family member or a friend needs it, but we should give more regularly simply because it is the right thing to do. If we truly want to help others, this contribution is a great gesture that’s important in maintaining a healthy and reliable blood supply for our community.

Image source: redcross.org

Hi, there. My name’s Larry Polhill, an alumnus of the University of Florida. Right now, I’m immersed in various volunteer work. More on my advocacies here.