Approximately every two seconds, someone in the country needs blood.
The need is apparent—but many people are hesitant to donate due to a lack of time, dislike of needles, or misunderstanding of their eligibility as a donor. The process is fairly straightforward, typically taking no more than an hour or two.
Myth: There is a surplus of blood donors.
Fact: Of the estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population eligible to donate blood, less than 10 percent actually do. This is despite the fact that donating is a safe, sterile process. Average adults have 10 pints of blood in their body, and typically they donate approximately one pint. It takes six to eight weeks to replenish this lost blood supply.
Myth: People on regular medication cannot donate.
Fact: Most medications don’t disqualify you. As long as your condition is under control and you are healthy, blood donation is typically permitted.
Myth: People who have received a flu shot cannot donate.
Fact: As long as you’re symptom-free, you can give blood after receiving a flu vaccination. If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, the American Red Cross recommends waiting until full recovery before donating.
Myth: People with high cholesterol cannot donate.
Fact: High cholesterol doesn’t disqualify you, even if you are on medication.
Myth: One blood donation won’t make a difference.
Fact: One pint of blood can save three lives. According to the American Red Cross, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the U.S. every day.
The need for your donation is particularly high if you happen to be among the 7 percent of the U.S. population with type O negative blood. This blood type makes you a universal donor, and it is urgently needed in emergency situations before the patient’s blood type is known.
To find out where you can donate near you, visit:
Northeast PA: redcrossblood.org/nepa
Lehigh Valley – Miller-Keystone Blood Center: giveapint.org
Eastern (PennJersey): redcrossblood.org/pennjersey
Northwest PA: redcrossblood.org/nyp
Community Blood Bank: fourhearts.org
Southwest PA: redcrossblood.org/greateralleghenies
West PA – Central Blood Bank: centralbloodbank.org/donate-blood
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