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Southern Region American Red Cross Blood Services
"Blood is a precious human resource that is only available from voluntary donors," "I hope people remember that there are patients every day who must have transfusions just to stay alive. In order to help them, we must collect blood."
Blood Usage
Your blood donations are used to help a variety of patients in need. Blood usage varies depending on the type of surgery or illness and whether there are any complications. Below is a list of common patient needs for blood and the average amount of each blood component that is required.
Blood is needed for emergencies and for people who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell, anemia and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live.
Imagine if giving blood was part of everyone's life. Something you did on a regular basis, like eating at your favorite restaurant. What kind of difference would that make? For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year, your donation can make the difference between life and death.
Giving blood is simple and convenient - see our top 10 reasons to give, browse categories below to learn about blood donation
Top 10 Reasons To Give Blood
- You will get free juice and cookies.
- You will weigh less - one pint less when you leave than when you came in.
- It's easy and convenient - it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
- It's something you can spare - most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.
- Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.
- You will walk a little taller afterwards - you will feel good about yourself.
- You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.
- It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous - blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.
- You will be someone's hero - you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
- It's the right thing to do.
Top 10 Reasons People Don't Give Blood
- I don't like needles / I am scared of needles / I am afraid to give blood
Nearly everyone feels that way at first. However, most donors will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch, and 7-10 minutes later, you are finished and headed for the canteen. If you take the time (and courage) to make one donation, you'll wonder why you ever hesitated.
- I am too busy
The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual blood donation time is only 7-10 minutes. If you stop to think that an hour of your time could mean a lifetime for a premature baby, someone with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, or someone who's had an accident, you might decide that you can make the time to give the gift of life.
- No-one ever asked me...I didn't realize my blood was needed
Consider yourself asked! There is simply no other way to supply the blood needs of hospital patients but for the generous donations of people like you. Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. More than 38,000 donations are needed every day in communities across the U.S.
- I already gave this year
You can give every 56 days. Many donors give 5 times a year!
- I am afraid I'll get AIDS
It is not possible to get AIDS by donating blood to the American Red Cross. A new sterile needle is used for each donor and discarded afterwards.
- My blood isn't the right type
Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors available to give it, so it is in short supply.
- I don't have any blood to spare
The average adult body has 10-12 pints of blood. Doctors say that healthy adults may give regularly because the body quickly replaces the blood you donate.
- I don't want to feel weak afterward
Donating blood should not affect adversely a healthy adult because your body has plenty of blood. You will donate less than one pint, and your body, which constantly makes new blood, will replace the donated volume within 24 hours. Most people continue their usual activities after donating.
- They won't want my blood (I am too old / I've had an illness)
If you have doubts, check with your physician. The qualified staff on duty at a blood drive or donor center will also review your medical history with you. There is no upper age limit to donate blood with the American Red Cross, and a great many medical conditions do not prevent you from donating blood, or may have done so only temporarily in the past.
- I have a rare blood type, so I'll wait until there is a special need
Blood that is rare or special is almost always in short supply. There is a constant need for these blood types in order to avoid having to recruit specific blood types in a crisis.
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