Human blood cannot be manufactured, and we rely on blood donation to keep up the supply. America is almost always low on blood, especially in certain blood types, and blood donors are encouraged to donate as frequently as they are eligible.
I’m not going into why you should donate, big picture. I hope by now, you already know it’s important. Blood donation has ben heavy on my heart since I was young. I can still remember watching my mother donate as a kid, then my grandmother donated her eyes after she passed away. I donated blood for the first time at 17 years old, and except for while pregnant or breastfeeding, I have donated fairly consistently ever since. In fact, I’ve donated over four gallons of blood so far!
However, during the covid-19 crisis, we are not only in a global pandemic but an all time critical low shortage of blood. Now, more than ever, the blood banks need donors! Yes, if you are eligible, you should absolutely donate blood while social distancing.
Why you should still donate
With the corona virus related COVID-19 filling our hospital beds, especially in the ICU, it’s easy to forget that other tragedies are still happening. Sure, there are less cars on the road, but there are still car accidents. Domestic violence related crime has actually increased with the social distancing forcing families to stay home together. Women are still giving birth, potentially needing to replace blood loss. Plus, some medical conditions require frequent blood transfusions. The fact is, the demand for blood is never ending. But the supply has been dwindling in recent years, and now more than ever we really need to donate.
Many donors are unable to donate right now. Perhaps they are high risk of complications from the coronavirus, and are not leaving their house. Or maybe they are now working from home, while watching the kiddos who aren’t at school. Some donor may not be vulnerable themselves, but have a high-risk relative at home that they cannot risk catching the virus and bringing back to contaminate. There are many valid reasons that a frequent blood donor may have for taking a break from blood donation during a global pandemic. However, if you have no reason not to… you should donate. Your blood is needed now more than ever.
PS- if you receive money for your blood, that is not donation and it cannot be given through blood transfusion to sick patients. When companies pay for plasma, or even red blood cells, those units go to research. Although still important, many people don’t know the difference between true blood donation for blood transfusions, and blood to be used for research purposes.
Steps to Donate
Register. Most blood donation sites are not taking walk-ins. If you are interested in donating, you must go to the site and find a drive and register for a time slot. This will make sure there are not too many people in the waiting area at a time, and ensure that guests are in and out without waiting. It also makes sure the drive is properly staffed.
Bring a Mask. If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided. But with the national shortage of supplies, it is in everyone’s best interest to bring their own.
Temp check at the door. Before you can even begin the check-in process, a volunteer will check your temperature.
Rapid Pass. If you have the American Red Cross blood donation app, save time and face-to-face interactions by using the Rapid Pass option. You can answer the pre-donation questions in advance.
Donate as normal. Once you’re checked in, the process is the same as normal. The phlebotomist will confirm some info, then insert the needle. You’ll give the ball light squeezes until your bag is full, and when it beeps they will pull a few vials and wrap you up.
Rehydrate and Snack. Normally they encourage donors to sit for at least 15 minutes. But, assuming because I had no signs of dizziness, she only told me to grab a snack and sit as long as I needed. I sat for 3 or 4 minutes, enough to sip a cranberry juice, then left. I did have to lift my mask to eat, obviously.
That’s it! You’ve donated during the pandemic. It’s so easy to donate, and truly makes all the world of difference to those in need. Even though the risk of coronavirus is strong, blood donation sites are hygienic and sterile in the first place. Sometimes it’s important to push those worries aside and do something for the greater good.
Is it scary to think we could be exposing ourselves while we donate? Absolutely. But in the end, the positivity that comes from blood donation is only increased by a large magnitude when we donate during a pandemic. You are truly making a difference and saving lives.
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