On April 8th and 9th, the Miller Keystone Blood Center is coming to Nazareth high school for blood donations. Fortunately, it is still safe to give blood during COVID-19, but obviously donors must be mindful of any symptoms they may have. Around 4.5 million Americans need a life-saving blood transfusion each year and one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Blood volume contains substances that are crucial for survival such as red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body to organs and tissues, white blood cells to fight infection, and plasma. Around 55% of blood volume is plasma which contains water, proteins, and salt.
I've never donated blood before, but I have had my blood drawn. Around January in 2020, I kept passing out so I went to the doctor to get my blood drawn. We found out that I was not only anemic, but I also had very few white blood cells which concerned my doctor because I didn't have any symptoms of illness. After drinking a lot of Emergen-C and monitoring myself for any signs of a fever, we went back to the doctor to get my blood drawn again. At that point, everything was trending towards their proper ranges. However, I still have been passing out occasionally.
Though I wanted to donate blood, I can't because I got my ears pierced in January of this year and you must have any piercings or tattoos for over a year before donating. I also decided against it because I didn't want to risk feeling fatigued or weak at any point during the short track season. It can take up to 16 weeks for a female to fully replace the pint of blood they donate. However, I do want to give blood at some point because it helps others and is essential for their survival.
Donating during the pandemic: https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/faq-on-novel-coronavirus-and-blood-donation/
56 facts on blood donation: https://givingblood.org/about-blood/blood-facts.aspx#:~:text=4.5%20million%20Americans%20will%20a,than%2010%20percent%20do%20annually.
I got blood drawn over the summer for the same reason! I have low blood pressure which causes my fainting, but for a few days we were also wondering if I am anemic because my mom is. I have also considered donating blood through a few different organizations, but for the same reason as you, I just don't feel quite comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI saw that that there was an opportunity for donating blood, and I wish I could have donated as well but I'm too young still! I think you had to be 17 to do it, and I'm still only 16 this year. Hopefully next year I can donate.
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