Donating at the Oklahoma Blood Institute's Blood Drive

Everyone knows that vampires need blood to survive, but what about regular people? Over 5 million Americans receive blood transfusions every year and in many cases a blood transfusion may be the only thing standing between life and death.

Every few seconds someone needs blood, whether it's due to losing blood during surgery, or suffering from an illness or physical injury. The victims you may not know personally but their life should not have any less value than that of your own family, for they too are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

I'll explain to you how one pint of blood can save 3 lives and perhaps persuade you to donate at the next blood drive. While there are many reasons people choose not to donate, I believe that the main reason behind it all is that they do not realize the impact their donation could have. The diffusion of responsibility dictates that people are less likely to act responsibly if they believe others will do it for them. I intend to explain the main reasons why blood donations are needed now and in the future and how every pint makes a difference. To enhance your understanding, I will also describe blood's role and importance in the body. Finally, I will walk you through the donation process and what benefits can result from it.

Alright, let's first take a look at why blood is needed.

Over 40,000 units of blood are used every day in the United States. Human blood has no substitute so millions of Americans are dependent upon the generosity of others to give them a second chance at life. Many of these Americans are cancer, transplant, and trauma patients; premature infants and children; and seniors who hope to see their next grandchild's birthday.

Did you know that only 5% of healthy Americans donate blood? Many of these people make multiple donations which account for over 80% of the blood used for transfusions.

While blood centers often run short of type O and B blood, they experience shortages of all types during the summer and winter months. It is likely that the demand for blood increases during these times because of the rise in serious accidents as people travel during the holidays.

Donated blood doesn't last forever and generally has a distinct shelf life. Red cells that are refrigerated last up to 42 days, while frozen red cells can last up to 10 years. Donated plasma is frozen and can be stored for up to one year, and platelets last only 5 days and are kept in motion at room temperature. Because blood doesn't last forever, it is important that people make repeat donations so that supplies don't dwindle and lives are put at risk.

So what makes this red liquid running through our veins so important?

Blood is the substance that transports oxygen and nutrients all over the body. It heals our wounds and fights infection, it gives us the energy and strength to partake in the activities we enjoy, and it makes life possible.

Blood is made up of red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each play a important role in the human body. Red blood cells are what carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and take the carbon dioxide that is produced back to the lungs to be exhaled. White blood cells fight bacteria and protect us against infection and disease. Platelets give us the ability to form clots when we're injured, and plasma is the liquid substance that transports the components through our veins.

According to the Oklahoma Blood Institute, "about 8% of a person's weight is blood." Men, on average, have about 12 pints of blood, while women usually have about 9. When a healthy person donates a unit of blood, they are able to regenerate it in about four to six weeks.

Now that I've given you a brief look into what blood is and what it does, I'd like to explain how you can become a blood donor.

Donating blood can be an unpleasant experience, particularly if you dislike needles; however, the discomfort is short lived and any pain experienced is relatively minor.

In order to donate, you must be healthy, be at least 17 years of age, and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you have HIV or Hepatitis B or C, you will not be allowed to donate. You are also not allowed to donate if you ever partook in risky activities, particularly if you were in contact with drugs, prostitutes, and/or gay men.

Should you decide that you would like to donate blood, it is advised that you eat a good meal and increase fluid intake within at least 4 hours of donating. When you arrive at the Oklahoma Blood Institute's blood drive expect the process to take 45 minutes to one hour. A doctor or nurse will review your medical history, do a quick physical, draw the blood, and then allow you to eat some snacks. The actual donation usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The staff is friendly and tries to make the process as quick and painless as possible.

After the donation is made it is recommended that you eat well and drink plenty of fluids for 24 to 48 hours. Any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity should be avoided for approximately 2 hours. If you smoke, you must wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Some people may experience nausea, lightheadedness, anxiety, and slight bruising at the needle site. If you decide to become a repeat donor, blood can be donated every 56 days, plasma every 28 days, and platelets every 7 days.

The blood is taken to a laboratory where it is put through a series of tests, usually about 11 which test for things like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Leukemia. The blood is separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. This enables your donation to be used by multiple patients.

Donors receive a free t-shirt and snacks after the donation is complete. While it may not be much, you'll at least walk away with pride knowing that you've made a difference. Then after about 2 weeks you'll receive the results from the lab tests that will tell you your blood type, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

By taking an hour out of your day to donate, you're potentially giving years to someone in need.
Do not let yourself fall under the spell that a donation from you won't make a difference, for every few seconds another person comes close to death and it may be your blood that saves them. Blood gives us the ability to fight sickness and heal our wounds and it transports the things our bodies need to function properly. Without it, life wouldn't be possible.

Take this as an opportunity to not only help someone but learn about your own health. Knowing what your blood pressure and cholesterol levels are is important as it can provide key information about your health in general. The test results will be mailed to you and also will be accessible online through their website (www.obi.org).

You only have one body and one life. Donate today and give someone else a little more time to enjoy theirs.