Every Drop Counts

Have you ever thought about donating blood? I got started over 30 years ago when I was at work. One of my co-workers was recruiting others in the office to donate at the blood drive on campus. The American Red Cross sets up blood drives all over the country or you can make an appointment at their local office.

In order to donate you must be healthy, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. You may donate a pint of blood every 56 days. Gee, that means you could donate almost a gallon a year or 4 gallons over 5 years, or 8 gallons over a 10-year period. Adds up fast! More in-depth information on eligibility is available here.

It is really very easy to donate blood. It will take about an hour of your time. Make an appointment or just walk in. You will need to present a photo ID and read some general information about donating blood. Then someone will check your blood pressure and pulse, prick your finger to get a couple of drops of blood to check your iron level and take your temperature. If you pass all those tests, they will ask you some questions about your health history and places you have traveled.

OK, the next part is where we separate the men from the boys. You will move on to the donation area where they will cleanse your arm and insert a brand new sterile needle for the blood draw. (It only hurts for a second.) They will give you a rubber ball to squeeze every few seconds to help pump out the blood. It only takes about 10 minutes to draw a pint of blood.

Next you will be directed to the refreshments area to refuel after all that hard work. Personally, I think they had the best snacks at my first donation site in Vermont--Vermont cheddar cheese. But, usually there will be cookies, crackers, nuts and that sort of thing, along with water or juice to drink. You will stay in the refreshment area for 10-15 minutes to start replacing the fluid that you lost plus to make sure you are feeling alright. I find as I get older I really need to sit there for a few minutes otherwise I am a little lightheaded. Now see, that wasn't hard.

Want to learn more about donating? Click here.

I have donated blood in several areas of the US. The American Red Cross collects blood in most areas of the country. Although, in the Tampa Bay area, the Florida Blood Services is the place to go. The Florida Blood Services gives away a T-shirt to all donors and they also check your cholesterol. There may be other freebies depending on the time of the year and where you go to donate.

According the the Red Cross web site only 3 out of 100 Americans donate blood. It is really easy to do so why not try it out? And bring a friend! You will get juice and cookies afterward and YOU could save a life.