Blood Donation Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

Blood Donation Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

blood donation facts and myths

Blood Donation Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction

Donating blood is a generous act that saves countless lives each day. But despite its life-saving impact, blood donation is surrounded by numerous myths that keep far too many potential donors from donating. As a result, these misconceptions can have devastating implications for the national blood supply, reducing available blood products and keeping patients from getting the transfusions they desperately need. 

It’s important to separate fact from fiction to dispel people’s apprehensions about donating. By sharing the truth about blood donation, we seek to empower people with accurate information so they can make a properly informed decision about whether or not to give blood. When you come to The Blood Connection, we aim to equip you with the facts and information you need to donate without hesitation and feel confident in your decision. 

7 Common Misconceptions About Blood Donations

1). Myth: It takes a long time to donate.

Fact: Blood donation is an efficient process that only takes about an hour from start to finish. When you walk into a donation center, you’ll complete a brief mini-physical before donating to confirm your eligibility. The actual donation only takes about 10 minutes. Once your donation is complete, you’ll be asked to stay at the center for a few minutes for monitoring. You can enjoy a beverage and snack while you wait and then be on your way.

2). Myth: Donating blood hurts.

Fact: The discomfort you’ll feel when donating is very minimal. There will be a slight pinch when the needle goes in, but you shouldn’t feel a thing after that. The Blood Connection’s skilled team will ensure you have a comfortable experience from start to finish.

3). Myth: If you don’t have a rare blood type, your donation isn’t needed.

Fact: Your donation is valuable regardless of your blood type. Common blood types are needed by more people, meaning more donations are required to maintain a steady supply. And for rare types, there’s a smaller pool of donors. Long story short, your single donation — no matter your blood type — can save up to three lives, and that’s worth doing.

4). Myth: You can’t donate if you’re on medication.

Fact: Most medications don’t disqualify you as a donor. More often, the medical condition that warrants the medication is the factor that impacts your eligibility. Of course, certain medicines, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and some acne treatments, may render you ineligible to donate. If you’re unsure how your medication impacts your ability to donate, talk to a team member at your local donation center.

5). Myth: Donating will deplete your own blood supply.

Fact: The average adult human body contains about 10 pints of blood. When you donate blood, only one of those pints is collected, leaving plenty for you to resume your day as usual. Your plasma levels can return to normal in as little as 24 hours. Red blood cells take about four to six weeks to completely replenish, which is why you can donate every 56 days. Ultimately, donating blood will not deplete your own blood supply in the long term due to the human body’s ability to quickly regenerate blood cells.

6). Myth: Donating blood can make you sick.

Fact: If you’re healthy when you walk into your donation center, you’ll walk out the same way. Our donation centers follow strict protocols to keep the equipment sterile, and we work hard to make sure the donation process is safe for every donor. Of course, it’s possible to experience lightheadedness or mild fatigue immediately after donating, but you’ll be provided a snack and drink to help ease those symptoms. In most instances, these symptoms pass quickly and on their own.

7). Myth: There are plenty of donors already.

Fact: Someone needs blood in the U.S. every two seconds, meaning there is always a need for more blood. On top of the constant need, blood has a limited shelf life, making maintaining an adequate supply even more challenging. A steady national blood supply helps meet both anticipated and unanticipated demand. Seasonal fluctuations and emergencies can cause shortages, making it difficult for people to get the lifesaving resources they need. A consistent group of regular donors ensures a reliable blood supply that can support emergency surgeries and ongoing treatments.

Every donation matters, whether you give once or become a regular donor. Our priority is to keep you informed and comfortable throughout the entire donation process so that you can walk into our donation centers feeling confident about your life-saving decision. 

Maintaining Blood Donor Health: Tips for Optimal Well-Being

Maintaining Blood Donor Health: Tips for Optimal Well-Being

well-being

Maintaining Blood Donor Health: Tips for Optimal Well-Being

Being a blood donor is a selfless act that makes a lifelong difference. Every one of your donations has the potential to save up to three lives. But despite the profound impact donating blood can make for others, it’s important to consider your health and wellness as a donor as well. 

Whether you’re a regular donor or thinking about donating for the first time, taking care of yourself is essential not only for your well-being but also for the effectiveness of your contribution. Before you donate, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your gift doesn’t negatively affect your health.

The Importance of Blood Donor Health

If you’re in good health when you show up to give blood, you’re more likely to have a smooth donation process and make a contribution that maintains a safe and reliable blood supply. A healthy national blood supply helps those needing a transfusion experience the benefits of donated blood without fear of adverse effects. 

To ensure you’re healthy when you donate, we start each visit by conducting a mini-physical that measures your blood pressure, hemoglobin, and pulse. Your blood pressure should be below 180/100 at the time of donation. If you struggle with high blood pressure, don’t worry. You can still be eligible to donate even if you take blood pressure medication.

Hemoglobin is important because it’s the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can contribute to low hemoglobin levels, making maintaining healthy iron levels essential. Your body also needs iron to generate new blood cells to replace the ones lost through donation. By checking your hemoglobin when you arrive, we’re making sure that your body is ready to donate and your blood is healthy enough to benefit potential recipients. 

4 Ways To Ensure a Successful Donation

As a donor, you should be looking after your health — not just to give a successful donation but to increase the overall quality of your life. At The Blood Connection, we value our donors’ well-being. We don’t just see you as a means to collect donations. Your health matters to us whether you donate or not. With clear benefits for you and those you may help, let’s look at the top four ways to make your donation smooth and easy. 

1). Eat a balanced diet.

A balanced diet promotes your overall health, helping you get more out of each day. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Ensure you eat plenty of iron-rich foods, such as spinach, beans, red meat, poultry, and fortified cereals to help keep your iron and hemoglobin levels up. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and bell peppers can help enhance iron absorption. Prior to any donation appointment, do your best to steer clear of iron blockers, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate, as these foods will combat your body’s ability to absorb iron.

Eating regularly is essential to keeping your blood sugar levels stable. Mindful eating will increase the likelihood that you’re consuming foods that are good for you instead of fatty foods that can cause high blood sugar, cholesterol, and various health problems. Eating balanced meals at regular intervals will keep you feeling healthy, and a balanced diet will also help you avoid feeling lightheaded or dizzy after your donation.

2). Stay hydrated.

You are what you eat, but what you drink matters just as much. If you’re planning to donate blood, drink plenty of fluids — especially water — in the days and hours leading up to your donation. If you’re properly hydrated, your blood donation is more likely to go smoothly, and your blood volume will stay at optimal levels.

Staying hydrated helps your blood volume return to normal faster after donating. If you’re not properly hydrated, the fluids lost during donation can cause a significant drop in your blood pressure and make you feel faint or dizzy. As a general rule, you should also steer clear of alcoholic and highly caffeinated beverages before and after you donate, as both can negatively affect your hydration levels.

3). Get plenty of rest.

Getting enough rest is good for your mind, body, and soul. It also makes it easier to give blood without experiencing adverse effects. You should aim to get seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, especially the night before your appointment. This amount of rest is especially crucial to help your body recover and regenerate after donating. Beyond its importance for blood donation, consistently getting quality sleep will help you maintain your overall health.

4). Be intentional about exercise.

Exercising regularly will pay incredible dividends for your cardiovascular health and physical well-being. That being said, you should avoid working out immediately before or after donating to prevent dizziness and fatigue. Try to find an exercise routine that works for you between donations and stick with it. 

Our goal at The Blood Connection is to enrich the lives of those in our community, and that includes you, our donors. We hope these steps give you a practical way to become the healthiest version of yourself — because when you’re healthy, you’re better able to help others. And if you’re a blood donor, your helpfulness can make a lifesaving difference. 

 

 

 

First-Time Donor? Don’t Let Fear (or Misinformation) Hold You Back

First-Time Donor? Don’t Let Fear (or Misinformation) Hold You Back

donor rewards

First-Time Donor? Don’t Let Fear (or Misinformation) Hold You Back

Donating blood for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. At The Blood Connection, we work hard to ensure new and regular donors stay informed and comfortable throughout the donation process.

Why Are Blood Donations So Important?

Blood donations are a life-saving gift. The generosity of donors helps countless individuals across the country recover from illness or injury and enjoy a quality of life they might not otherwise. There’s a constant need for blood in the U.S., with someone needing a blood transfusion every two seconds. This adds up to approximately 30,000 units of blood each day, meaning it takes 10,000 daily donations to meet the demand. 

Unfortunately, only 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, and of those who are eligible, only 3% actually donate. These numbers show the vital need for more donors. Without sufficient donations, there will be more frequent shortages in the national blood supply, and people in critical situations won’t get the life-saving transfusions they need.

Blood transfusions help treat an array of conditions, both planned and unplanned. Cancer, blood disorders, and other chronic illnesses often call for regular transfusions of blood products. Emergency operations and complications during childbirth can also cause sudden surges in demand that exceed the blood reserves of many medical facilities. So, not only does there need to be a regular supply for ongoing treatments, but there also needs to be enough blood products available to meet unexpected demands. If you’re considering donating for the first time, there’s never been a better time to start. 

Overcoming Donation Fears

Donating can be intimidating if you’re not well-informed about the process. Let’s address some common fears of first-time donors and see how The Blood Connection sets people at ease by making the donation process as smooth as possible.

1). Fear of fainting

Fainting is a common fear of many donors, but it happens far less than many people think. And, even more encouraging, it’s relatively easy to avoid. To prevent feeling light-headed or fainting, eat a healthy meal and drink an extra 16 ounces of water before you arrive at your donation center. 

2). Fear of needles

We get it — needles can be scary. To ease your nerves, feel free to bring someone to calm and distract you as you donate. And if you’re feeling nervous, just let us know. Our team is happy to work with you to ensure you’re calm and comfortable. For most first-timers, we recommend simply looking away during the initial setup process. Of course, if you’re the curious type and want to know what’s happening, feel free to watch. It’s entirely up to you.

3). Fear of low iron levels

If you’ve struggled with low iron in the past, don’t let that deter you from donating blood. Just because you’ve been turned away because of low iron levels before doesn’t mean you can’t ever give blood. You’ll complete a mini-physical at our donation centers before every donation to ensure your iron levels are safe to donate. And if you are struggling with low iron, our team is happy to recommend ways to increase your iron levels.

4). Fear of being sick after donating

If you’ve never donated, you might worry about how you’ll feel when you finish. After each donation, you’ll be given refreshments to replenish the liquids and sugars in your blood. You’ll also be asked to “take your 10,” which is a short period of time during which our team will ensure you are well enough to leave. And if you start feeling unwell, our team is ready and able to help. 

5). Fear of not having enough time

Some people worry that donating will knock them out for the entire day. The donation process should only take an hour, with the actual donation taking approximately 10 minutes. As long as you are well-prepared before your donation and rehydrate and eat immediately afterward, you should be ready for the rest of your day in no time.

Debunking Common Donation Myths

Donation myths are one of the biggest reasons people choose not to donate blood. We think it’s important for our donors to know the truth about donating so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to donate. That’s why we’re happy to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about giving blood. 

Myth #1: It takes a long time to donate.

Fact: The entire donation process only takes about an hour from start to finish, and the actual donation only takes about 10 minutes.

Myth #2: Donating blood hurts.

Fact: The slight discomfort you’ll feel when donating is a quick pinch from the needle as it goes into your arm. After that, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort.

Myth #3: Your donation is unnecessary unless you have a rare blood type.

Fact: Every blood type is vital to maintaining a diverse national blood supply. Believe it or not, common blood types have a higher demand since more people can use them. Rare blood types have a smaller pool of donors, so the available supply is usually lower. Long story short, your donation is needed no matter your blood type.

Myth #4: Donating will deplete your blood supply.

Fact: It takes 24 hours for your body to replenish your plasma and 4-6 weeks to replenish your red blood cells. That’s why you can donate every 56 days. Rest assured, donating a pint of blood still leaves plenty for your body to operate at full capacity.

Myth #5: You can be too old to donate.

Fact: There is no maximum age to donate, but there is a minimum. Blood donors must be 16 or older, and parental permission is required for donors under 18. 

Myth #6: You can’t donate if you have tattoos or piercings.

Fact: In most states, you can donate blood immediately after getting a tattoo or piercing as long as you get it from a state-regulated parlor. Tattoos not applied by a licensed technician using a sterile needle and non-reused ink and piercings not done using single-use equipment will defer your eligibility for six months.

Myth #7: You can’t donate if you’re on medication.

Fact: In most cases, your medication won’t disqualify you as a donor. It’s more common to be disqualified due to the condition that warranted the medication rather than the medication itself. If you’re unsure whether your medication affects your ability to donate, please ask one of our team members at your donation center.

Myth #8: It’s dangerous to donate if you have high blood pressure.

Fact: If you’re worried about your blood pressure, you can rest easy knowing that we take your blood pressure during the mini-physical before your donation. You’ll be cleared to donate if the first number (systolic pressure) is below 180 and the second (diastolic pressure) is below 100. Even if you’re on blood pressure medication, you can still qualify. You can contact The Blood Connection to confirm that your medication is not on the deferral list.

One Donation Makes a Lasting Impact

Your blood is composed of blood cells, platelets, and plasma, all of which can help different patients. Red blood cells are commonly used during surgery, platelets can be used to treat cancer, and plasma is used for trauma and burn victims. Each type of blood product serves a vital purpose — and a single donation can save up to three lives! 

Before you donate, check to see if you meet our Donor Eligibility Requirements. If you’re eligible, you can start giving blood today. At The Blood Connection, you can schedule an appointment online or simply walk into a donation center. And remember — your generosity is changing and saving lives!

Giving Back to Donors: The Blood Connection’s Support Programs

Giving Back to Donors: The Blood Connection’s Support Programs

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Giving Back to Donors: The Blood Connection’s Support Programs

Approximately 30,000 units of blood are needed in the U.S. each year. Without a steady blood supply, those suffering from cancer, leukemia, childbirth complications, and many other medical conditions will lack the most essential element of survival. 

At The Blood Connection, we recognize that maintaining a steady national blood supply is only possible because of the generosity of blood donors. Whether you’ve given once or are a regular donor, you’ve made a lasting difference — and for that, we are incredibly grateful.

While many of our donors give and expect nothing in return, we are dedicated to showing our support and appreciation for them through various programs and rewards.

Our Commitment to Our Donors

When you become a donor at The Blood Connection, you join a community committed to saving and changing lives. You’re putting others before yourself; we want you to know that doesn’t go unnoticed. In addition to our various rewards, promotions, and programs, we’re proud to offer our Donor Assistance Program.

Through this program, we offer donors in need of transfusions credits based on the number of times they donated within the year. We offer $25 for every whole blood donation and $50 for donations other than whole blood. So, if you donate three times throughout the year, you will be eligible for up to $75 toward transfusions. If you only require $25 worth of transfusions, you will only receive that amount. 

This program also includes group and family initiatives. If a group, company, or organization member needs transfusions, our Group Assistance Program allows the group to earn credits based on donations given at a blood drive they host. Our Family/Friend Assistance Program enables your consistent contributions to help your family and friends in the future. This program covers the donor, immediate family, and friends.

To qualify for the Donor Assistance Program, you must submit hospital records showing the patient’s name, the date of use, and the type of each transfusion. The donation must be given at The Blood Connection to receive credits for donating. 

Donor Rewards

TBC Rewards allows us to show our appreciation for our donors in a very tangible way. You’ll receive reward points every time you donate. Your points can then be redeemed for eGift cards of your choice. We currently have over 200 vendors to choose from. As a donor, your rewards can be seen through the Donor Portal or in the TBC NOW app. Just remember, reward points and eGift cards are non-transferable.

Beyond reward points, the Donor Portal gives you easy access to your blood type, donation eligibility data, mini-physical results, and more. The portal allows you to track your donor status so you can walk into each donation feeling confident and well-informed. But the Donor Portal isn’t just online — you can also view it on the TBC NOW app. With multiple access methods, using your portal has never been easier. When you download our app, you can find a drive, order eGift cards, and see your health screening results.

How To Get Involved

To become a blood donor, we ask that you meet a few simple qualifications. To donate whole blood, you must be in good health, at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds. 16- and 17-year-olds must have parental consent to donate. Not sure if you’re eligible? Check out our Eligibility Requirements

If you’re eligible to donate, you can start the donation process by locating a Blood Connection donation site near you, whether that be a Bloodmobile or one of our local donation centers. Making an appointment online is preferred but not required. Before you come in to donate, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal. This will help the donation process go smoothly. You can also complete the TBC Express Questionnaire before you arrive to cut your wait time in half.

Make sure to bring your photo ID when you show up to donate. We will connect you with the correct account and check to see if you’ve completed your TBC Express Questionnaire. 

Before each donation, you’ll complete a mini-physical to ensure you’re healthy enough to give blood. Once you’re cleared, you can sit back, relax, and donate. The actual donation only takes about 10 minutes. Then, once your donation is complete, you’ll be offered refreshments and monitored to ensure you are safe to leave.

We couldn’t do what we do without generous donors like you, so we want to do everything we can to give you the support and recognition you deserve. If you want to become a first-time donor, schedule an appointment online or visit one of our donations today.

Emergency Preparedness: Blood Reserves and Disaster Response

Emergency Preparedness: Blood Reserves and Disaster Response

Emergency Preparedness: Blood Reserves and Disaster Response

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion. That number increases in the face of large-scale emergencies. Natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and widespread health crises can quickly strain blood banks and medical facilities, emphasizing the need for a readily accessible national blood supply. But emergencies aren’t the time to collect immediately needed donations; blood must be available when the emergency occurs — ultimately, it’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives. Unfortunately, blood can’t be recreated or substituted, so the national blood supply depends on the regular generosity of blood donors.

A steady blood supply is a cornerstone of emergency preparedness and can be the difference between life and death. And while having that supply in anticipation of unexpected surges in demand is essential, maintaining a steady flow of donations during and after disasters is equally important to sustain ongoing readiness.

The Importance of Blood Reserves in Disaster Response

Predicting the timing and scale of disasters is nearly impossible. Having a reliable blood supply at all times is the key to mitigating the stress caused by emergency situations that cause a sudden surge in demand for blood. Beyond the increase in demand, disasters can lead to a lower number of donors, further depleting the supply. Building a steady blood supply ensures medical facilities have immediate access to adequate quantities of various blood types.

In times of crisis, the importance of a steady blood supply can’t be overstated. Disasters leave communities grappling with a shortage in blood donations, whether due to logistical challenges or an inability for individuals to donate. A proactive approach requires the community’s involvement and commitment to ensuring the available blood supply stays at levels that allow healthcare professionals to care for those affected by the emergencies. By working together, we can better equip our country and local communities to handle unforeseen challenges and save countless lives.

Challenges To Maintaining a Blood Supply

Maintaining a steady blood supply is often easier said than done. From the biological nature of blood to uncontrollable external factors, there are countless reasons why the national blood supply might dip below ideal levels.

For starters, blood has a very limited shelf life. Platelets can last five to seven days, and red blood cells can last 21 to 48 days. Every donation must also undergo 24 to 48 hours of post-donation testing. This testing is part of a rigorous screening process that detects infectious diseases or other health issues that could be transmitted during transfusions. While maintaining high safety standards is essential, these processes increase the complexity of donation collection.

Getting blood donations to recipients requires transportation and logistics, which are inherently unpredictable. Delays in supply chains or natural disasters can slow down transportation, impeding timely delivery and affecting availability. At The Blood Connection, we have an expansive fleet of carriers spread out across our areas of service to mitigate the potential impact of supply chain disruptions.

And while these variables demand attention, at the end of the day, the key to maintaining the national blood supply is you — our donors. Unfortunately, seasonal weather, travel, and misconceptions about donating often keep people from regularly donating. 

At The Blood Connection, we’re committed to more than just collecting donations. We prioritize donor education, debunk misconceptions about donating, and highlight the impact of every donation. By creating a culture of transparency and understanding, we’re building a community of knowledgeable and committed donors and doing our part to ensure a reliable and resilient blood supply.

Your Role in Emergency Preparedness

A steady blood supply in the face of a disaster can save lives, but a fully stocked supply is only possible because of the generosity of blood donors. Having a consistent pool of donors helps us maintain a baseline blood supply that can keep up with the increased demand of emergency scenarios. Your donation could mean that medical facilities have the supply they need to address immediate and unexpected needs.

Beyond the sheer volume of donations, a large pool of regular donors also helps build a comprehensive blood supply to treat patients with diverse blood types. A well-rounded supply caters to different patient needs, which is especially critical during emergencies when matching donation blood types to recipients is crucial.

If you want to donate, we invite you to visit The Blood Connection today. When you donate blood, you save lives — a single donation can save up to three lives! Being part of a community of consistent donors allows you to help maintain a stable blood supply that ensures patients get the life-saving measures they need whenever they need them. To start donating, locate a Blood Connection donation center near you. You can schedule an appointment online or simply walk into the center ready to give blood. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll be on your way to saving lives!

The Human Side of Blood Donation: Personal Stories from Recipients

The Human Side of Blood Donation: Personal Stories from Recipients

Blood donors

The Human Side of Blood Donation: Personal Stories from Recipients

Behind every pint of donated blood lies an incredible story, one of lives touched by the generosity of strangers. But every blood donation is more than a random act of kindness. It’s a connection forged between individuals, creating a culture of generosity and gratitude.

At The Blood Connection, our goal is to help everyone who needs blood have access to it. This is a big goal, and we realize it’s unattainable without the generosity of donors. From mothers dealing with complications during childbirth to children battling leukemia, there are countless people in need of this life-saving resource. We are immensely grateful to have witnessed many recipients get the critical transfusions they need. These are their stories.

The Gift of Life

For many, blood transfusions are a life-saving gift. Whether suffering from an ongoing condition or a victim of an unexpected accident, countless individuals find themselves in life-or-death situations that require blood donations for survival.

Kristen’s time of need came during the birth of her first child. After a smooth pregnancy, she experienced a placental abruption during delivery, which led to a massive hemorrhage. She needed transfusions immediately, and ended up receiving 28 units of platelets, plasma, and whole blood.

“I just remember them bringing bag after bag after bag,” Kristen shared. Her transfusions continued after being moved to the ICU. As scary as the whole experience was, Kristen looks back and knows that she wouldn’t have survived without those transfusions. “It’s been such a humbling experience to realize that the blood other people gave me saved my life.”

Luca is another patient who’s experienced the life-saving nature of blood donations, though his story looks a little different. When he was just two and a half years old, Luca was diagnosed with leukemia. He needed an immediate blood transfusion.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Luca and his family have experienced the hope that only blood donations can provide. “When your child has been diagnosed with cancer, you feel absolutely helpless,” said Luca’s parents. “We’re so thankful that he’s here and that he has people who donate blood.”

Luca’s parents urge people to donate, even if the impact of a single donation seems insignificant. Their journey through cancer with Luca has taught them that every donation counts. “You just don’t understand how much of an impact you’re making on people by donating.”

From Despair to Hope

During the pandemic, the world was searching for anything and everything that would help those who fell critically ill from COVID-19. The Blood Connection rose to the occasion and became the first blood center to offer antibody testing during the pandemic. By collecting donations from recovered COVID-19 patients, we were able to acquire a blood product, known as convalescent plasma, that had antibodies to help those struggling to fight the virus. 

Lisa was diagnosed with COVID-19 in the middle of the pandemic. Things quickly went from bad to worse, and Lisa found herself being rushed to the emergency room in a state of respiratory distress. “As hard as I tried, I could not get air past my clavicles,” said Lisa. 

But as soon as Lisa started to lose hope, a doctor approached her with some great news: they had a donor for her. “I can’t even tell you, my heart just filled with hope,” Lisa said. “I knew that somebody cared enough to go and donate.” As the transfusion began, Lisa immediately felt it working in her body. “I looked up at the bag, and it was just a bag of gold.”

Lisa was finally able to meet her life-saving donor, Harriet. “I’m just so happy that I was able to help somebody,” Harriet said. “It’s hard to describe what it feels like to know that you saved somebody’s life.” As a result of her experience, she urges others who are able to donate because “doing something that seems so simple to me actually saves lives.”

While we no longer offer antibody results, our ability to do so during an international crisis allowed us to respond to needs quickly and save lives.

Paying It Forward

Christopher is one of our donors who has experienced first-hand the impact a donation can have. His life changed forever when he got into an accident with a semi-truck, resulting in the loss of his leg. His injury required a tourniquet and blood transfusions. Today, Christopher is alive, healthy, and active.“It’s just amazing that people who don’t know me were willing to give blood that saved my life,” he shared. 

His experience as a recipient inspired and motivated him to give back by becoming a regular donor at The Blood Connection. “It feels pretty amazing going through everything that I’ve gone through and then being able to be on the other side of that and give blood to people who need it.” Encouraging others to donate, he added, “You never know whose life you could help save.” 

If you’re considering donating, stop by one of our Blood Connection donation centers. You can schedule an appointment online or simply walk in. Our team is here to make giving blood as easy as possible, ensuring you meet the requirements to safely donate and keeping you informed every step of the way. Whether you make a single donation or become a regular donor, your gift will make a difference.

Check out the video: Full Circle: Local Blood Recipients Meet Their Donors