Blood Donation Process

I donated my blood for the first time in June. I have been volunteering at Red Cross since high school, but never done it myself. I was super scared. I had fear with needles and blood itself. With many years of hesitation I finally decided to do it because researched about facts and statistics and found out the benefits and neediness of blood donation. I am going to share statistical facts, benefits, and process of the blood donation.    

Statisfacts - significant difference between supply and demand of blood is significant. 

• Every 2 seconds, someone in this world need blood
• Blood cannot be manufactured, which means there is no substitute. The only way for people to receive blood is donors. 
• Only 3% of qualified donors actually donate blood. 
•  Risks such as feel light headed or pass out, but this barely happened like 4 in a 1000. Remember that the amount of blood they are taking is less than 10% of your blood
• One pint of blood donation can save up to three lives

       Benfits - Donating blood does not only save other people’s lives, but also have health benefit to donors. If you donate....

• Reduce the risks of heart and liver disease and cancer because when you donating blood, you are donating extra iron. Your liver would not be overwhelmed with extra irons. 
• Free chance of physical check up
• Help with weight loss, I lost a pound afterward

       Process - pretty simple. 

• Before - make an appointment on the American Red Cross Website, you can enter your zip code and the website will list the locations and available times. Make sure to avoid alocohol and fried food (unhealthy food) and eat iron rich meals (healthy) for a few days before donating blood. 
• During - I recommend you complete Rapid Pass before you donate because it will save a lot of time. Rapid Pass will ask health and medical related questions. When you walk in, they will take your pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and iron level. If your numbers fell within the acceptable range, you are ready to donate! The moment the needle goes in, it might hurt a little; however, you won't feel anything afterward. The drawing process takes around 4 to 10 minutes. I recommend drink A LOT of water donating, so the your blood will come out faster and you don't have to be sitting there for a long time. 
• After - make sure drink water and eat well for the next days. Red cross will provide some snacks afterward as well. Congratulations, you just saved somebody's life!