Donating Blood - Simple as 1,2,3!

By Hailie Duenkel, Volunteer

Undoubtedly, you are somewhat familiar with the American Red Cross and the blood donation program, and chances are you have given blood once in your life. This was probably done by the Red Cross coming to your school or workplace, and you most likely haven’t thought much about it since.

This summer, the Red Cross is teaming up with brands like G__gle, P_yP_l, and D_min_’s, to spread the word on the #MissingType movement to help the public take notice of the ongoing need for blood donors. As you can see, the A’s, B’s, and O’s are missing from these name brands, along with other celebrities and influential companies in order to display the vital role a single blood donor makes. A single blood donation can save up to three lives!

Following World War II, the Red Cross presented the first ever United States civilian blood drive platform, which now is responsible for over 40 percent of all blood donation in the country. By donating, you are joining thousands of volunteers and decades of history in making a difference in countless lives.

Universal History Archive/UIG—Getty Images

Unfortunately, many people do not know how to donate blood on their own outside of a sponsored blood drive. There are more than 600 Red Cross chapters in the United States, with more than 500,000 volunteers, and 35,000 employees ready to assist you in the selfless process of giving blood. To find a location near you, visit the Red Cross website and you will find several blood donation centers in your area. 

Common reasons people give for not donating are shortage on time, fear of needles and not understanding what happens during the donation process. Below are steps on what to expect your first time giving blood:

• Registration: A Red Cross employee will ask for a form of ID and go over the basic process and eligibility. 
• Health History: An employee will ask questions regarding your health history, medications taken, places traveled, etc. They will then do an exam where they will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin level to determine if you are in proper health to donate.
• The Donation Process: An employee will clean and sanitize your arm and insert a new, sterile needle. (The needle feels like a small pinch and only takes a few seconds.) 
• Whole Blood Donation: This process removes about 1 pint of blood directly from your arm, totaling about 8-10 minutes.
• Platelets: Donating platelets uses an apheresis machine which removes your blood, takes the platelets, and then puts the blood back into your arm. This process takes about 2 hours to complete.

• Recovery: After the donation process, you will rest for about 10-15 minutes while having a snack and drink, and then you are free to leave. 

Red Cross Chat/ Nicholas Lemesh

After your blood donation, share your experience with friends, family, and coworkers to help influence their involvement in a historical practice to save lives. Tag the Red Cross in your donation process pictures @redcrossncr with the hashtag #MissingType, so the country can share in the significant sacrifice you made like so many before you. 

Join the movement. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/missingtypes.