Donating

I had the opportunity to give blood on Tuesday at our church's blood drive through The American Red Cross.  Donating blood is something I have done often in the past (while in college & while I worked at the YMCA).  My blood type is O (positive) which is a universal blood type and can be used by many people.  

There are 4 steps to blood donation:

1. Registration & medical history (to ensure blood is healthy to give to others)

2. Mini-physical (check Iron levels, take temperature, & blood pressure-to ensure you are healthy to give blood)

3. Donation (takes about 10-15 minutes) & you even get to relax in a chair!

4. Refreshments (juice & cookies).  Click here for facts about blood donation.

After my second pregnancy ended in miscarriage I ended up in the Emergency Room because of the amount of blood lost within a certain time frame.  Even after the ER gave me shots to help my uterus contract I was still bleeding heavily and ended up with an emergency D & C.  At that time I had lost so much blood they had me sign consent forms and prepped me for the very real chance of a blood transfusion, pretty scary.  Fortunately for me once they got in and performed the surgery they realized I did not need a blood transfusion after all!  It made me realize  really how easy it was for me to donate and help others who may have been in the same situation or just needing a donation.  I haven't been able to donate since then because I was either pregnant or had just given birth!


The kiddos were of course asking a lot of questions, "why do you need to get your blood out"-Lizzy.  Emma asked why I was giving my blood to someone else and not keeping it for me?!  It gave me a chance to explain that this was something small I could do to help someone else, someone I didn't even know!   People get into car accidents or have surgery and may need help from someone else (blood donation) to help fix them.  They all asked if they had to be there with me or if they had to watch, so funny!  Jody doesn't like needles either so they got to go with Daddy for a little while during the donation.  

Check out The American Red Cross's website to see if you are able to give blood and if so where you can do so.  Your body replaces the donated blood within a few weeks and you are able to donate again in 56 days!  You can also help people with certain types of cancer, leukemia and many other health problems by donating not only blood but platelets and plasma!   Donating blood does take a little bit of your time, but what I was able to donate (3 pints) can be used to help 3 people!  This is an easy way to help others and I encourage you all to do so!!!