5 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood
Although it’s known that blood donations are lifesaving, it’s not commonly known as to why or how it can even help you out.
Whether it be that you're short on time or you have a fear of needles, we all can give a reason why we don’t donate blood (though there are some reasons why you actually shouldn’t). That said, our team at Wingspan put together a list of five reasons why you should donate blood.
Here are 5 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood:
1) If you have Type O Blood.
Many people died from incompatibilities from transfused blood because any blood regardless of type was used for those who needed it before the discovery of blood types in 1901. There are eight different blood types: O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, and AB-. However, certain blood donations for transfusions are better for particular blood types than others. Both type O blood types are the most needed and in the highest demand of all the blood types because type O positive is the most common blood type and type O negative is the universal blood type needed for emergency blood transfusions and babies who are immune-deficient (less able to fight off infections).
2) If you had COVID-19.
Although people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 don’t necessarily need a blood transfusion, the convalescent plasma from the blood of those who recover from the virus could potentially help those who are currently infected. The plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that could potentially ward off the virus of currently infected patients.
3) If you want a mini-physical.
In the screening before the actual blood donation, your vitals are checked such as your temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. You may find out that you have high blood pressure! Additionally, your blood will be tested for several infectious diseases so you’ll be in the know for that as well.
4) If you want to burn some calories.
Fun fact: blood donors burn about 650 calories from a one-pint donation.
5) If you want to feel good about saving a life.
As every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, your blood can save lives and improve the health of others. Here are some people who need blood that your blood can go to women with pregnancy complications, children with anemia from malaria or malnutrition, people with trauma from natural disasters, people with conditions that need regular transfusions such as sickle cell disease, and cancer patients.
TL;DR
Too Long; Didn’t Read
As every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, a blood donation can literally save a life.
Blood donations are important to the health of communities and to meet the constant needs of patient care (and even more so during a pandemic!).
You can even find some unexpected benefits for yourself such as getting a free mini health check.
For in-depth blood donation eligibility requirements, check them out on the American Red Cross’s website. If you are eligible and want to donate blood at this time, we also compiled some things for you to keep in mind when donating blood during a pandemic.
However, If you find yourself in a position where you shouldn’t donate blood but still want to support a blood drive, Wingspan Health compiled a list of ways you can help without donating blood if shouldn’t donate blood.
Wingspan Health
Wingspan connects to your online doctor accounts (“patient portals”) and safely compiles all of your information into one easy-to-use platform. By accessing and understanding your past health information, Wingspan can help you make use of it.