Give Blood, Give Life

Everyday blood donors save patients of all ages, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

With June 14 being World Blood Donor Day, what better way to commemorate the occasion than to give blood? It’s an hour of your life that might give someone else a future they otherwise would not have. Some Americans cannot give blood because they are anemic or have certain diseases. That puts the onus on the rest of us, as there is a seemingly perpetual shortage of blood, and we need to fill the void.

Donating is a personal decision, with no wrong or right choice. However, that decision can sometimes be influenced by misperceptions and even myths. So, to set the record straight, here is a top 10 list of potential donors’ concerns, excuses or misperceptions, and the facts as presented by the Red Cross, actual donors, and healthcare professionals.

I don't like needles ‒ I am afraid to give blood.
Who likes needles? That said, most donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch, and 7-10 minutes later, you are finished and enjoying a complimentary snack and beverage before departing. If you take the time to make that first donation, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated.

My blood isn't the right type.
Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patients’ needs. If you have a common blood type, many patients need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, fewer donors are available to give it, so it is in short supply.

I am afraid I'll get AIDS/COVID/other diseases.
It is not possible to get AIDS or other diseases by donating blood at the American Red Cross or other authorized blood center. A new sterile needle is used for each donor and discarded afterward.

I don’t have the time.
The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation time is only 7-10 minutes. That hour could mean a lifetime for a premature baby or someone trying to survive an accident.

I’m on medication, so I can’t give blood.
In almost all cases, medications do not disqualify you as a donor. The reason that you were prescribed the medication could disqualify you, but if the condition is under control and you are healthy, donations are usually allowed.

I don't have any blood to spare.
The average adult body has 10-12 pints of blood. Healthy adults may give regularly (every 56 days or roughly every two months) because the body quickly replaces the blood you donate.

I am too old/I’ve been sick ‒ they don’t want my blood.
If you have doubts, check with your physician. There is no upper age limit on who can donate, and if you are symptom-free from illnesses like the flu, you are likely safe to give.

I have a tattoo, so I can’t give blood.
In most states, you may give blood immediately after getting a tattoo if it was created in a state-regulated shop. Otherwise, you typically have to wait three months to donate.

Blood can be stored forever ‒ surely there is ample supply.
False and false. Blood and its different components have varying shelf lives, but whole blood can only be refrigerated for up to 35 days. Demand for blood requires consistent, continuous donations.

I think they should use artificial blood instead of mine.
“Artificial blood” currently exists in vampire movies only. The science is getting closer, but as of today, only real blood can meet the life-saving needs of patients across the country.

It’s only natural to have concerns about giving blood, especially if you have never donated before. Check with your physician if you have additional questions. If you don’t have a physician, you can find one at MyStFrancis.com/Docs or by calling 706-596-4350.

Most donors will tell you that even after the possible pinch of the needle, a few minutes filling a small bag and an hour visit overall, giving blood is worth it. Countless recipients will swear their lives on it.