World Blood Donor Day: Addressing the Disparity between Blood Demand and Donors

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Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. Yet, blood donation centers are often begging individuals to fill donation time slots and offering incentives, such as Amazon or Chipotle gift cards, to further coax them.

Giving blood can be an intimidating process for those who have never done it before.

For this year’s World Blood Donor Day (June 14th), Kraus-Anderson employees Laurie Fronk and Laurisa Titterud detail their blood donation experiences in the hopes to ease nerves and encourage others to donate.

Where can I donate blood?

FRONK: There are a lot of places to donate blood. Some of the most popular or well-known are Red Cross and Memorial Blood Centers. I typed “places to donate blood near me” in Google and it provided a list of locations closest to both my house and workplace. Check with your employer to see if you can utilize work hours to donate (Kraus-Anderson employees, use your “KA Has Heart” time to go)!

If I have never donated blood before, how should I prepare?

TITTERUD: In addition to the basics of drinking lots of water and eating good meals prior to donating, mentally prepare yourself for some poking (a quick finger prick and the needle insertion) and seeing blood bags. It’s a little off-putting or strange at first but you get over it pretty quickly. The people who work at donation centers, in my experience, are extremely friendly and patient, especially if you’re vocal about being a little nervous.

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What should I expect during my blood donation experience?

FRONK: In my donating-blood experiences, you’ll fill out a medical-related questionnaire and meet with a phlebotomist prior to your donation to ensure you’re cleared to donate. They’ll check your temperature, blood pressure, and iron levels. If you or your blood is not cleared, they will not let you donate and send you on your way. They want to keep you safe. If you’re approved, you’ll move to a lounge chair to donate. They’ll give you a warning before inserting the needle. If you don’t like the sight of blood, I suggest you look away. From start to finish, the process takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.

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TITTERUD: The donating process doesn’t bother some people, while some may feel a little queasy or nervous. I try not to let my nerves stop me from donating. Be honest with the workers about your comfort level. They manage both new and experienced donors and can make you feel more at ease by explaining the process as it’s happening, distracting you with questions, bringing you something to drink, or covering up your arm so you don’t have to look at the needle. Feel free to bring headphones, so you can listen to your favorite music or podcast. The workers will ask how you’re doing and ensure you’re comfortable throughout your donation. Now for the best part— when you’re done, you can relax in the lobby and eat snacks (Oreos, pretzels, fruit snacks, etc.) and drink juice/water until you feel ready to leave.

Is donating blood painful?

FRONK: In my experience, donating blood is not painful at all– just a little pinching when they put the needle in you.

TITTERUD: The initial poke isn’t the most pleasant but it’s not painful. I sit still and scroll on my phone to distract myself. Your arm might be a little sore afterward, but it goes away within a day.

What’s the best part of the blood donation experience?

FRONK: Knowing that your blood will help someone that needs it to live feels good. Red Cross will send you an email to let you know where your blood donation went. The treat and drink when you are finished is something to look forward to, as well.

TITTERUD: It’s pretty awesome to have an excuse not to work out for the day or do chores and to lounge on the couch watching Netflix. All jokes aside, it’s an easy way to contribute positively to my community. Donating blood is a small gift of my time that will significantly impact someone’s life, possibly even save it. It’s easy to forget that doing “the little things” can make a big difference. Another perk of donating blood is that they send you a postcard with information about your blood type. It’s nice to have that information or file or to learn more about yourself!

In your opinion, why is donating blood important?

FRONK: It’s important to me because my dad had to have two blood transfusions when he was battling cancer before he passed. The blood banks are short of blood right now and they need our donations. I understand how influential someone’s donation was to my family and know that it can prolong/save lives.

TITTERUD: It’s cheesy, but after watching shows like Grey’s Anatomy where there are so many scenarios in which the medical staff is calling for “400 CCs of blood,” it’s mind-blowing how often it’s needed (and needed urgently). Blood can’t be artificially created, so these medical needs require someone to donate. Whether it’s for cancer patients, blood transfusions, or individuals in accidents, there are so many different applications that hospitals and medical centers need blood. One donation can save up to three lives. To give an hour of my time every few months to save lives is more than worth it to me.

What would you say to someone who has never donated blood before or is nervous about donating?

TITTERUD: It’s okay to be nervous or hesitant, but know that everyone is there to help give you a positive and comfortable experience. If you’re apprehensive, talk to someone who has donated before and keep the idea that you’re helping someone at the forefront of your mind. Your time and donation are saving someone in need, someone who’s likely in a vulnerable state and truly needs it.

If I’m unable to donate blood, how can I get involved?

FRONK: If you can’t donate, call a blood donation center and ask how you can assist. Volunteering to help register people to donate, checking them in for their donation, or hosting a blood drive at your work, school, or in your community are all ways to get involved. Encourage the people around you to donate. If you aren’t able to donate yourself, be a support to others who can!

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