Red Cross Blood Drive

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Every 2 seconds, someone needs blood.  Can you help?  Yes.  Donating blood is something almost everyone can do, and helps save lives across the world.  In 1999, around 41,611 Americans died and over 1.3 million injured due to automobile injuries.  And by donating only one pint of blood, you can save up to 3 lives.  That’s 3 people, whether, man or woman, black or white, an 80 year old man, or a 2 month old infant.  According to statistics, 60% of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5% do.  That’s over 3.3 billion people who don’t but could help save lives.  And if those people donate 1 pint each, they could save over 9.9 billion people. That’s 1.5 times the human population.  In other words, if we all donate and encourage others to do the same, we may be able to end the blood shortage in the world.  And when you donate blood, the feeling that you just saved someones life is like no other.  Make a difference.  Create a path.  Save a life.

– – By Dhruva Seelin

Pls join us on Saturday May 22nd, 10.am to 3.00pm at West Valley Branch Library
1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd.
San Jose, CA 95117
(408) 244-4766
(408) 244-4747 (Recording)

FAQs:

Is donating blood safe?
Donating blood is a safe process. Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and then discarded, making spread of infection to the donor not possible.

How much blood is taken — won’t it make me weak?
A blood donation equals approximately one pint of blood. The average adult body has 10-12 pints. The vast majority of people will not feel any different because of the donation. A very small percentage may experience temporary dizziness, but some rest and fluids will help you feel better quickly. Your body will replace the lost fluid within 24 hours

How long does it take to donate blood?
The whole process takes about an hour. It starts with registration, a health history and a mini-physical. Then comes the actual donation, which usually takes less than 10-12 minutes. Afterward, you will be asked to spend a few minutes in the “canteen” where you can have a light refreshment before returning to your normal activities.

How do I know if I am eligible to donate blood?
You must be in good health, be at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. You will also need to pass physical and health history reviews prior to donating. There is no upper age limit on your ability to donate. Conditions that require a temporary deferral are pregnancy, travel to certain parts of the world, inoculations, some health conditions and certain medications. Call 1-800 GIVE LIFE or check the eligibility requirements to get answers to specific eligibility questions you may have. Eligibility requirements may also vary for some states and blood centers. Final eligibility is determined by medical professionals at the time of donation.

How often can one give blood?
Regulations in the United States allow people to donate whole blood once every 56 days. The waiting period between donations can be different for other blood components. For example, donating only platelets in a process called apheresis requires only a 3 day wait before a person can give again. Donating two units of red blood cells through a similar process doubles the waiting period to 112 days.

FAQs’ cut and pasted from:

http://www.givelife2.org/donor/faq.asp#1

Thanks,

VSNA 2010 Committee