January 31, 2025
If you’re looking for a way to help others while also benefiting your own well-being, consider giving blood. It’s relatively quick, usually painless, and can truly save lives.
Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets for reasons ranging from childbirth and injuries to surgeries, cancer treatments, anemia, and other blood disorders. Because these blood products cannot be manufactured, they must come from donors. With red blood cells expiring after 42 days and platelets after just five, the need for new donors is constant.
The most common type of blood donation is a whole blood donation. That involves donating roughly a pint of blood that can later be separated into its different components. Another option is apheresis, a procedure that uses a machine to collect and separate specific parts of your blood while returning the rest to your body.
By undergoing apheresis, you can donate:
• Platelets, which cause blood to clot
• Plasma, which is the liquid part of blood
• A concentrated amount of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to organs and tissues
Another form of blood donation is known as Power Red. In this process, two units of whole blood are drawn, the red blood cells are separated out, and then the plasma and platelets are returned to your body. Because this procedure requires a specialized machine, it may not be offered at every blood drive.
Most states require donors to be at least 17 years old (though some allow 16-year-olds with parental permission) and weigh at least 110 pounds. You should also be in good health and feeling well.
You may not be able to donate blood if you have:
• Donated blood in the past 56 days
• Gotten a tattoo or piercing in the last three months
• Ever been HIV positive
• Ever injected illegal drugs
• Visited a country with a malaria risk in the past three months
• Lived in the U.K. for three or more months between 1980 and 1996 or in Ireland or France for five or more years from 1980 to 2001 due to the risk of mad cow disease.
For a few weeks before giving blood, you should focus on eating foods that are rich in iron and vitamin C. Eat more lean meats and leafy vegetables and avoid fatty foods like hamburgers, French fries, and ice cream. To help keep your blood sugar stable, stick to a regular meal schedule in the days leading up to your donation.
You should aim for a good night’s sleep before donating, avoid alcohol on donation day, and drink a few extra glasses of water to keep from feeling dizzy. Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm, bring a valid ID, and consider bringing something to read or listen to, or a friend for support if you’re feeling nervous. And do not take any aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 48 hours before donating platelets.
When you show up to give blood, you will be given some information about blood donation to read and be asked to show your identification and sign in.
Then, you’ll be asked about your health history, any traveling you’ve done recently, your lifestyle, and any medications you are taking. You’ll also have your vitals checked along with a quick blood test to determine your blood type and hemoglobin levels.
Once you’ve been cleared to donate, you’ll be seated in a comfortable chair while a health care professional cleans and sterilizes your arm. Then, they will insert a needle into your vein through which the blood will be drawn. You may be asked to lightly squeeze a sponge or some other object with your hand in order to facilitate the blood flow. The process of drawing blood typically takes about 15 minutes for a whole blood donation. Donating platelets, plasma, or red cells can last anywhere from 80 minutes to two hours.
When you’re finished donating blood, your arm will be bandaged and you’ll rest for about 10 to 15 minutes while having a light snack and drink to make sure you feel okay.
For the rest of the day, you should avoid such vigorous activities such as exercising or heavy lifting. You can get back into them slowly over the next few days.
During the first 24 hours, avoid alcohol and drink plenty of fluids instead. Eating iron-rich foods like spinach can help replace the blood cells you’ve donated.
Donating blood doesn’t just help the recipients — it can help you, too!
For one thing, being a donor can improve your mental health. Participating in a lifesaving cause can lower your stress levels, reduce negative feelings, and encourage a sense of belonging.
You’ll also receive a mini health checkup each time you donate, which can alert you to any issues you might not have known about. Regular donations can also help maintain a healthy blood pressure and may even lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Giving blood is a great way to support your community while also taking care of your own health. You can find blood drives and donation centers through the Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers, and the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as local organizations that may host events in your area.
When you donate blood, you become part of a lifesaving chain of support, offering hope to those in need, boosting your own health, and contributing to a caring and connected community.
