January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross is urging us all to get out and donate. Blood donations typically drop off around January, which makes National Blood Donor Month a critical time for anyone needing a blood transfusion and specifically the American Red Cross. Abigail Adams of the American Red Cross joined our health and wellness segment, First Aid with Kelly Kinkaid to talk about the need for more donors and how we can support.
Often times we do not think these types of issues affect our communities. But according to WebMB, every 2 seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood.
Donating blood can help:
● People who go through disasters or emergency situations
● People who lose blood during major surgeries
● People who have lost blood because of a gastrointestinal bleed
If you are interested in donating blood, below is the protocol to get started.
Start by finding a blood bank or blood drive and make an appointment. Be sure to disclose any health issues and make sure you are aware of any type of identification needed.
Leading up to your appointment it is important to have a healthy balanced diet and ensuring you are in overall good health.
The day of your appointment, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that you can easily roll up above your elbow. Make sure you have a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking, as well as the proper forms of ID.
The Four Steps of Blood Donation
The blood donation process can be broken down into four steps:
1. Registration
2. Medical history and mini-physical
3. Donation
4. Refreshments
This process can span from about 15 minutes to an hour so plan your day accordingly. If you are interested in donating blood, check the American Red Cross site or call 1-800-733-2767.
