Don’t Let These Things Stop You from Donating Blood
Giving blood is an easy way to help others. But there are many common misconceptions surrounding blood donation.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations have been down and continue to stay down. It’s vital for anyone who can give blood to do so now more than ever. Every two seconds, someone in this country needs blood and one blood donation can save multiple lives. But less than ten percent of those eligible to donate blood do so, according to the American Red Cross.
Here are some reasons people may give for not donating blood—and why you shouldn’t let them stop you from donating:
- Donating blood hurts. The only discomfort you feel when giving blood is the slight prick of the needle when it is first inserted in your arm. But this only lasts for a moment.
- I’m not healthy or young enough to donate blood. Some health conditions would make you ineligible to donate blood, but many common health conditions will not stop you from being a donor. Your age and the medications you take likely won't disqualify you from donating. But you will be asked about your health and current medications that will ultimately determine your eligibility to donate blood. It's important not to assume that you can’t donate blood. More often than not, you can donate blood.
- I can get an infection from donating blood. There are strict procedures to make it highly unlikely you will develop an infection. “The procedure is safe, and each new blood draw is done with sterile equipment, lowering the risk of getting a bloodborne infection,” says Amber Lin MD, a family medicine physician for PIH Health.
- Giving blood takes too long. Blood donation takes about 8 to 10 minutes. However, you can usually expect to be at the blood donation center for about an hour. This time comprises registration, obtaining a health history or mini-physical, and blood donation. For the last 10 to 15 minutes, you will relax and enjoy refreshments and a snack before going about your day.
- I already gave blood, so I can’t do it again. Blood can be donated up to six times a year. Whole blood donations can be done after at least eight weeks in between donations.
PIH Health encourages all healthy adults to donate blood when they are able. Follow PIH Health on Instagram to be notified of upcoming blood drives or visit the American Red Cross website to learn more about donating blood.
