Specialized Blood Products: How Donations Help Patients With Unique Needs

Whole blood donations save lives. But did you know that a big part of that life-saving quality is the specialized blood products the whole blood contains? Thanks to medical technology and the work of our team members, each of these blood products can be isolated from whole blood donations and prepared to serve specific functions. 

Our blood is full of rich components that allow our bodies to function properly, but some people experience deficiencies or undergo trauma that calls for specialized transfusions. Whole blood and specialized blood donations give countless patients the transfusions they need. Let’s look at those specialized blood products and how The Blood Connection works to maintain a steady supply of each.

Understanding Specialized Blood Products

As we said, several specialized blood products come together to make whole blood. These products can be separated from a whole blood donation to treat patients with specific health needs.

Let’s start with red and white blood cells. Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the blood. They contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to body tissues. Red blood cells’ primary task is to equip the body to perform metabolic processes and generate energy. Conversely, white blood cells directly support our immune systems, as they help defend against infections, viruses, bacteria, and other foreign invaders.

Next is plasma, the liquid component of blood. Plasma is a combination of water, electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and nutrients. At the most basic level, plasma is the transport system for red cells, white cells, and every other blood component, including the platelets that play a crucial role in blood clotting and help prevent excessive bleeding.

Unfortunately, not everyone has enough of these blood products for their body to function optimally. Understanding the life-saving capabilities of each blood component makes it easier to understand the importance of blood products and whole blood donations.

Types of Specialized Blood Products

With this basic overview of blood products in mind, let’s take a closer look at the specific functions of each and how they’re collected and stored.

Platelets

Platelets are colorless cells in the blood that stick to the lining of blood vessels — and each other — to stop or prevent bleeding. They can be separated from whole blood and combined with other donations to create one transfusable unit. They can also be obtained using an apheresis machine, which allows a single donor to contribute four to six times more platelets than they would through a standard whole blood donation. 

The most common uses of platelets include cancer treatments, organ transplants, and surgeries. They can also be used to treat a condition called thrombocytopenia, a shortage of platelets, and other platelet function abnormalities.

Plasma

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. Approximately 90% water, it helps maintain proper blood pressure and volume and supplies critical protein for blood clotting and overall immunity. Plasma also carries electrolytes to muscles to help maintain the body’s pH balance, promoting proper cell function.

Plasma is collected by separating the liquid portion of blood from the cells. Like platelets, it can be separated from whole blood or collected using an apheresis machine. Donated plasma is frozen within 24 hours to preserve its valuable clotting factors. Once frozen, it can be stored for up to a year and thawed when needed. Plasma donations are most commonly used to treat trauma, burn, and shock, but they can also be beneficial for patients with liver disease or clotting factor deficiencies.

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells give blood its distinctive color. They’re produced in the blood marrow and are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and taking carbon dioxide from the lungs to be exhaled. How plentiful are red blood cells? Two to three drops of blood hold approximately one billion red blood cells!

Red blood cells are removed from plasma and used to treat anemia without significantly altering a patient’s blood volume. They can also be used to address acute blood loss and a broad spectrum of blood disorders.

Cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate, or cryo, is the plasma component that’s richest in clotting factors. These clotting factors slow or stop bleeding caused by illness or injury. Cryo is collected by freezing and slowly thawing plasma. It’s then combined with contributions from other donors to create a sufficient amount for a single transfusion.

Cryo is most commonly used to control bleeding in people whose blood doesn’t clot properly. Patients with hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease often require cryo transfusions, and cryo also serves as a valuable source of fibrinogen for patients who struggle to produce enough clotting protein on their own. 

How You Can Make a Difference With TBC

At The Blood Connection, we collect four donation types: plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and whole blood. We can separate the components during and after your donation to give recipients precisely what they need. The process and donor eligibility can vary based on the type of donation, so it’s vital that you talk to one of our team members to ensure you’re eligible to donate.

While maintaining a diverse set of blood products is important, having a full supply of products from every blood type is also critical to ensuring patients have what they need going into procedures. That’s why we encourage our donors to learn their blood types. Your blood type could be in high demand and be the life-saving gift someone’s been waiting for!

Whole blood donations are the most common type. During this donation, a pint of blood is collected and used primarily for trauma and surgery. It’s the quickest and easiest type of donation and can be done every 56 days. If you want to donate whole blood, you must be at least 110 pounds and 16 or older. 

Platelets are made in your bone marrow and can be donated every seven days at one of our donation centers. All donors must be 17 or older, and their platelet count must be at least 150, depending on blood volume. Additionally, female donors must be tested for HLA if they’ve ever been pregnant.

Plasma donors can donate at one of our centers every 28 days. Like with platelet donations, female donors who have been pregnant must be tested for HL, and all plasma donors must be 17 years or older.

When only red cells are donated, we call this a double red cell donation. Double red cell donors can give every 112 days in one of our centers or select mobile donation centers. To make this kind of donation, you must be 17 years or older and have a hemoglobin level of at least 13.3 g/dl. 

If you want to complete one of our four types of donations, please visit our website to schedule an appointment today. We’d love to help you discover which donation type is best for you and help you do your part to save lives in your community!

Blood Donation and Public Health: The Broader Impact on Communities

Donated blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. for situations ranging from emergency surgeries to ongoing cancer treatments. The ongoing generosity of regular donors allows public health facilities to always have the blood supply they need to treat patients effectively. 

Here at The Blood Connection, we work to create a culture of blood donation in our communities because we know the value of regular blood donations. We work to educate and equip donors to give this life-saving gift on a regular basis so that public health facilities can maintain a steady blood supply.

Meeting Diverse Needs

Since different people have different blood types and Rh factors, incompatible blood transfusions can cause serious complications. This reality makes it critical to match the donor’s blood type with the recipient’s blood type. Regular blood donations from people of all races and genders ensure a diverse blood supply to accommodate patients with specific blood compatibility needs.

Whole blood donations, which include red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, can be used in medical emergencies and to treat patients who need a boost in blood volume. It can be separated into various components to meet specific patient needs. This versatility makes whole blood donations uniquely important. 

The individual components of blood play specific roles in treating those in need. Red blood transfusions help patients with anemia, extreme blood loss, and chronic conditions. Donated red blood cells are especially helpful in improving oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. Platelets prevent blood clotting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with bleeding disorders. As these patients are prone to bleeding complications, having a reliable supply of platelets ensures they get the care they need when they need it. Plasma transfusions can help patients with clotting disorders, liver disease, and immune deficiencies.

Ultimately, patients with specialized needs, including those with rare blood disorders or specific medical conditions, require specific blood components that are less commonly available. Regular blood donations help public health facilities maintain a supply of rare blood types and distinct blood components that can meet the individual needs of each patient. 

Preparing for Emergencies

Consistent blood donations also ensure a steady blood supply that can support the sudden needs of large-scale emergency scenarios. Natural disasters, accidents, and mass casualty incidents are just a few of the emergency instances that would call for large amounts of blood. Having enough blood available enables public health professionals to respond quickly and completely to patient needs in the face of overwhelming demand.

Emergencies are extremely time-sensitive, so the sooner patients receive a blood transfusion, the better their chances of recovery and survival. A consistent blood supply eliminates delays in getting blood to patients and allows medical professionals to provide the fastest treatment possible. In emergencies, it’s typically the blood on the shelves that saves lives.

Collaborations Between Donation Centers and Public Health Agencies

Blood donation centers are crucial in collecting and processing blood donations from donors. Public health agencies provide guidelines for blood collection and safety; they also set donor eligibility requirements, testing procedures, and quality control measures that ensure the blood collected is safe for transfusion. Without these guidelines, blood donation centers’ collection efforts would be pointless.

Donor education is an essential part of the blood donation process. Public health agencies draw donors’ attention to the importance of blood donation while dispelling myths and addressing concerns. Blood donation centers leverage these educational resources to ensure their donors are well-informed about the process and benefits of donating blood. Not only does proper education help donors feel safe and comfortable throughout the process, but it also promotes a culture of ongoing generosity that fuels consistent donations.

To prepare for anticipated— and unexpected — needs, public health agencies collect and analyze data about supply and demand, donor demographics, and health trends. This information allows both public health facilities and blood donation centers to more accurately plan for the future, improve donor recruitment strategies, and enhance overall efficiency.

Inspiring Community Engagement

Blood donation is an amazing gift. Donors willingly give a part of themselves to help others, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping those in need. The simple act of donating creates a bond between donors and recipients, even if they never have the chance to meet. The donor knows their donation has life-changing potential, and the recipient knows their life is changed because of the generosity of a donor.

When people choose to donate, they become part of a greater cause. The shared mission of saving lives creates a sense of community. Donation events can bring together diverse groups of people, creating opportunities for new conversations and connections within a community.

At The Blood Connection, we strive to create a culture of giving in our communities. Through blood drives and the welcoming environment in our donation centers, we seek to build a community that looks out for each other. We hope that as people see donors’ impact, they’ll be inspired to donate. 

We are so grateful for our community of regular donors who are dedicated to saving the lives of those in need. If you’re considering donating, we encourage you to schedule an appointment on our website today. Not only will you be saving lives, but you’ll be joining a community of donors who share your passion for helping others.

Tips and Tricks for Organizing a Successful Blood Drive

Have you ever driven past an event and seen a bloodmobile outside? There’s a good chance that was one of our many blood drives! 

Blood drives provide opportunities for communities to come together and donate. These mobile drives allow people to donate blood at a central location that’s convenient for them, which encourages more people to donate. That’s a big deal because the more people that donate, the larger the blood supply!

At The Blood Connection, we make hosting a blood drive easy. Some of the most loyal members of our donor community aren’t just donors; they’re also blood drive hosts. If you’d like to learn more about why blood drives are important and how we can help you host your own blood drive, keep reading.

The Power of Community Blood Drives

Blood drives play a big role in helping us fulfill our mission of saving lives. The blood collected from drives can be used in various medical situations, from surgeries to cancer treatments to childbirth complications. Every donation has the potential to make a life-saving difference for those in need. 

Blood drives bring together a large group of donors, increasing the likelihood that multiple blood types can be collected at a single event. Having a full range of blood types available ensures that every patient can get the blood they need when they need it.

Before attending a blood drive, few people truly understand the importance of maintaining a steady blood supply. Blood drives provide an opportunity to raise awareness for the role of blood donations in healthcare. When they attend or donate in a drive, community members are given a chance to learn about and discuss donating blood, which helps increase the number of regular donors and dispel any misconceptions about the donation process. 

The benefits of hosting a blood drive extend beyond the immediate supply of collected blood. Blood drive hosts play a significant role in creating a generous culture of consistent donation within their community. Once established, this culture can lead to a sustainable and reliable blood supply, which makes it easier for medical professionals to treat immediate medical needs and future emergencies.

Preparing for Success: Planning Your Blood Drive

Hosting a blood drive can have a positive impact on the overall blood supply, but it takes some planning to make it successful. After you’ve contacted The Blood Connection, here are a few steps we recommend for planning your blood drive: 

1. Pick a location: Since convenience is a big part of a successful blood drive, make sure to find a site that is appealing to potential donors. Show that you’re a good steward of their donation by also being a good steward of their time.
2. Gauge community interest: Your community is the heart of your blood drive. Having a group of people rally behind you ensures the drive runs smoothly and as many donations as possible are collected. Develop a potential donor list, and start reaching out. Then, challenge those who are interested to spread the word and recruit other donors!
3. Generate Enthusiasm: Now’s the time to start getting people excited to donate! Whether you reach out personally or post promotional materials, find ways to make the event fun. The best blood drives are those that people are looking forward to.
4. Recruit help: Running a blood drive takes a lot of work, so you’ll need some help. Find a few volunteers who are willing to help alongside you. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who’s especially passionate about donating blood to get involved.
5. Show appreciation: Once your blood drive is over, reach out to everyone who donated to show your appreciation. It’s important to recognize — and celebrate — that they just gave a life-saving gift. Acknowledging the significance of their donation will reinforce the importance of donating blood and make them more likely to donate again.

While there are always similarities, every blood drive looks different. Focus on planning what works best for your community. The important thing is educating people about the need for blood donations and getting them excited to meet that need. 

Partnering With The Blood Connection

Our mobile buses and inside setup equipment let you host a blood drive almost anywhere. You can also always bring a group to any of our donation centers. Whatever works best for you works best for us.

To host your blood drive, start by filling out the Host a Drive form on our website. Simply provide some basic information and the estimated number of donors, and we’ll follow up and tell you everything you need to know.

Ready to start planning your blood drive? Contact us today. 

Let the life-saving begin!

Community Spotlight: Recognizing Outstanding Blood Donors

Blood donation is a life-saving gift. Without generous donors, patients in need would lack the vital resource they need to live the healthiest life possible. Many people choose to donate purely from the kindness of their hearts. Others have experienced the impact of blood donations personally. No matter why people choose to donate, their willingness to give provides hope to those in need. 

At The Blood Connection, we recognize that our mission of saving lives would be impossible without our blood donors. We appreciate their willingness to give blood and their excitement for the difference their donations will make in the lives of others in their communities.

Let’s take a closer look at the impact of blood donations and how we work to give our donors the recognition they deserve.

The Impact of Blood Donations

Medical emergencies often require blood transfusions due to major blood loss or critical surgeries. Donated blood helps stabilize a patient’s condition and prevent further complications. For planned procedures, blood donations ensure there’s a sufficient supply of blood to perform operations successfully.

Patients with cancer or blood disorders require ongoing treatment and regular blood transfusions to alleviate medication-related side effects and improve their overall health. Without these vital transfusions, patients would not have the strength to undergo rigorous treatment regimens.

From time to time, childbirth complications also require timely blood transfusions to address excessive bleeding or other medical issues. In these situations, donated blood can save the lives of mothers and their babies.

On a larger scale, blood donations are crucial in maintaining a constant blood supply and preventing shortages. Hospitals and healthcare facilities need to have a sufficient supply of blood products on hand for both planned and unplanned procedures.

The best part about blood donation is that it’s not just a one-to-one donor/recipient ratio — a single donation can save up to three lives! This fact alone shows the life-changing ripple effect that the selfless generosity of blood donors can have on the lives of individuals and families.

TBC Rewards Program

Saving lives is its own reward. But here at The Blood Connection, we recognize that donors are taking time out of their days to make a difference, so we think it’s important to do a little more to acknowledge their generosity. With the TBC Rewards Program, our loyal donors get additional perks for donating — and we make it easy to get started.

When you become a TBC donor, you’ll create a personal donor profile that connects to your rewards account. Once your account is linked to your profile, you can access it using the Donor Portal. The TBC Donor Portal lets you view your blood type, edit your contact preferences, see your donation eligibility data, take a survey about your donation experience, and view your mini-physical results. You can also use it to see how many reward points you’ve earned.

As part of the TBC Rewards Program, you receive reward points every time you donate. These points can be collected and redeemed for an eGift card of your choosing. We’ve recently updated the TBC store to include even more eGift card options for our loyal donors.

Why Donor Recognition Is Important

Beyond the TBC Rewards Program, we love sharing donor stories, whether that be on our website or social channels. Our donors drive the mission of The Blood Connection, so we think it’s important for them to have a chance to share what donating blood means to them. Here are a couple stories that highlight the personal impact and critical importance of every donation.

Shelby’s Story

Shelby is a high school student and regular donor at The Blood Connection. She initially thought donating blood was just something people did to make a little extra money, but her perspective changed when she learned the life-saving impacts of blood donation. Shelby currently works as a tech at MUSC, so she’s seen firsthand how blood is used on her unit. “It’s probably one of the most important things someone can do,” she said.

As the president of her local Future Health Professionals club, Shelby has scheduled multiple TBC blood drives to unite others around the mission of saving lives through blood donations. We appreciate her dedication to donating and her desire to help others become regular donors.

Lisa’s Story

Lisa had a cesarean section and a hysterectomy when she gave birth, and blood donations saved her life. Since then, she’s become a regular donor at The Blood Connection and encourages others to do the same. “Don’t think. Don’t stop,” she said. “Drive to a donation center and come give blood. Somebody needs it. You might need it in the future.”

Lisa drives over an hour to get to her local center and donate. For her, every mile is worth it. “You’ll walk away feeling like you’ve done something great for someone else.”

Telling our donors’ stories helps build a sense of community that makes The Blood Connection unique. Our community of donors can see they are part of a larger group committed to a common goal of supporting the health of others. 

Beyond their individual donations, our donors play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of blood donation and the need to maintain a steady blood supply. Their stories provide an opportunity to educate others about the significance of donating blood.

How You Can Get Involved

Becoming a donor at The Blood Connection is easy. Simply schedule your appointment online by visiting our website. To set up your donation, just click the “Donate Now” link and provide your zip code. With that information, we’ll locate a donation center near you. And while we prefer you make an appointment, it’s not required. Walk-ins are always welcome. 

When you arrive at a TBC donation center, provide your personal ID and donor ID card. You’ll be eligible to donate as long as you meet all the blood donor requirements. See our Important Donor Information for a complete list of donor eligibility requirements. Once you’ve completed your mini-physical, you can sit back, relax, and save lives.

Like Shelby, you can also get involved by hosting TBC blood drives. Our mobile donation centers can come to you. You bring the donors; we’ll do the rest. Complete the Host a Drive form on our website to start planning your drive today.

Ready to donate? Schedule your appointment at The Blood Connection today to start saving lives and earning rewards! 

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Blood Connection Team Member

Donating blood isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s a selfless act that saves lives. From emergency trauma care to ongoing cancer treatments, countless medical procedures require blood transfusions every day. But maintaining an adequate blood supply requires ongoing donations — and ongoing donations require a dedicated staff.

Blood donor technicians are the heart of every donation center. They’re responsible for determining donor eligibility and overseeing the donation process. Without our team of dedicated technicians, The Blood Connection would not be able to impact the lives we do.

Let’s take a closer look at what our blood donor technicians do every day to ensure the blood donation process runs as smoothly as possible.

The Role of a Blood Donor Technician

Blood donor technicians are the face donors see when they walk into donation centers. They are responsible for making every person feel comfortable and informed about the donation process. 

At the start of the process, technicians screen all potential donors to determine their eligibility to donate. They review all blood donor requirements and discuss their medical history, recent travel, medications, and potential risk factors. These steps protect both the donor and the eventual recipient.

Preparing for Donations

Cleanliness is a non-negotiable in the world of blood donations. As a donor, you’re willing to take time to donate a life-giving resource. We seek to be good stewards of your donation by providing a safe and clean environment. 

Before starting the collection process, our technicians prepare the necessary equipment and sterilize the collection site, ensuring everything is clean and ready for use. They check that all the essentials — blood collection bags, needles, tubes, and tourniquets — are sterile and in proper working condition. They also take the extra step of making sure everything at the collection site is organized and easily accessible. 

Greeting and Educating Donors

Whether you’re a new or regular donor, the blood donation process can feel overwhelming without the right information and resources. Our blood donor technicians are here to provide you with just that. Upon entering the donation center, you’ll be greeted by a technician who will explain the donation process, answer any questions or concerns, and provide a reassuring and positive experience. They’ll also verify your identity and confirm your eligibility by checking your personal ID and blood donor card. If you’ve completed the TBC Express Questionnaire, all you have to do is show your QR code to the blood donor technician.

The technicians are responsible for completing the mini-physical step in the donation process. Techs screen every donor to ensure they meet the physical requirements for donating. The screening process includes reviewing your medical history, current health status, and potential risk factors. During the screening, you will be informed about what to expect during your donation, how long the procedure will take, and any potential side effects.

The Collection Process

Once the necessary preparations are complete, our phlebotomists will begin the collection procedure. They’ll help you lie comfortably and relaxed to prevent dizziness or fainting during donation. They’ll then apply a tourniquet to help them locate and access a suitable vein. Every phlebotomist is trained in venipuncture and knows how to quickly locate suitable veins that ensure the collection runs smoothly. 

After identifying the best vein, the blood donor technician cleans the venipuncture site with an antiseptic solution to prevent infections. They’ll use a sterile needle and carefully insert it into the designated vein. The technician then connects the blood collection tube and bag to the needle.

Our technicians do their best to keep every donor comfortable throughout the collection process. They carefully monitor for any adverse reactions or signs of distress, and they are equipped to respond quickly to any issues and provide the appropriate care. If you experience discomfort during your donation, let a phlebotomist know, and they’ll be happy to help.

Post-Donation Care

During and after the blood collection procedure, blood donor technicians follow safety and infection control protocols to prevent the transmission of diseases. The collection site is kept clean and sterile throughout the entire process. 

Once the collection is complete, the technician labels all collected samples and completes the proper documentation to maintain the consistency of the process and the integrity of the donation. The donor and donation information is then entered into computer systems to ensure that records are up-to-date and complete.

Equipment Maintenance and Clean-Up

When the donation is complete and all records have been updated, a blood donor technician resterilizes all reusable equipment to prepare the collection site for the next donor. The technician will carefully disconnect the used blood collection bags, needles, and tubes. They follow strict safety protocols to avoid accidental needle sticks and the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. 

To protect donors and staff alike, materials such as gloves, gauze, used needles, collection bags, and other disposable items are safely discarded in biohazard containers. Finally, the donor’s seating area, the collection equipment, and any surfaces the donor may have come in contact with are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 

Blood Donor Technicians Make a Lasting Impact

For many blood donor technicians, their job is their passion. They’ve witnessed time and time again the life-changing impacts of blood donations, and they love being part of the donation process.

Shannon, a team lead at one of The Blood Connection donation centers, started working for The Blood Connection because she believes in our mission of saving lives. Through personal experience, she understands the powerful impact a single donation can have on multiple lives.

There was a time in Shannon’s life when her granddaughter required blood products. And thanks to generous donors, her granddaughter’s health was restored.

“It feels good knowing my job is saving lives,” Shannon shared. To her, working at The Blood Connection is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact and help those in need. 

Blood donor technicians like Shannon work diligently to provide a safe place for donations to occur, and they offer the support and guidance that allow donors to walk into donation centers with confidence and complete their donations with ease. Technicians don’t just ensure the safety of donors; they also ensure that the donated blood is safe for use and gets to where it needs to be. Our team of technicians is the reason that lifesaving blood can successfully go from donors to patients in need.

Would you like to know more about the blood donation process? Visit The Blood Connection website today. Then, when you’re ready to begin the donation process, our team of technicians will be ready to help you. Schedule an appointment today to start saving lives!

Saving Lives Every Day: The Importance of Regular Blood Donations

While approximately 37% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, only 3% of those who could give blood actually do. This poses a massive challenge because someone needs blood or platelets every two seconds, which adds up to about 29,000 units of blood needed each day in the U.S. Unfortunately, the current blood supply isn’t meeting the ongoing demand.

Without an increase in regular blood donations, the blood shortage will continue. Today, we’ll discuss the importance of blood donors and how you can make a difference by making a donation that saves lives.

The Lifesaving Impact of Blood Donations

While donating blood may not seem like a big deal, it has lifesaving impacts. In many cases of emergency trauma, people experience severe blood loss. Blood donations ensure a readily available supply to replace lost blood and maintain the necessary oxygen and nutrient supply to vital organs. Red blood cells are especially important as they help carry oxygen to tissues.

For planned surgeries, blood transfusions help ensure patient safety by helping to maintain the patient’s hemoglobin levels and blood volume. Cancer patients can experience decreased blood cell counts due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Blood transfusions help improve their overall health, maintain their ability to fight off infections, and prevent bleeding complications.

Additionally, people with bone marrow disorders, including leukemia and lymphoma, often require blood transfusions because their condition reduces their ability to produce healthy blood cells. Transfusions give their bodies the support they need while other health issues are addressed.

Sometimes, even routine medical procedures can present unexpected challenges. For example, complications after childbirth, such as postpartum hemorrhages and preeclampsia, can call for blood transfusions to stabilize mothers’ health. Babies may also need exchange transfusions to treat jaundice.

These are just a few conditions and instances that call for blood transfusions. Without a constant supply of blood donations, these patients won’t get the care they need and could suffer devastating consequences.

Blood Donations Make a Difference

Kay Williams, a current donor at The Blood Connection, had a cesarean section when she was 20. During the procedure, her heart stopped. She received four pints of blood as the medical staff worked to save her life. Reflecting on the experience, Kay shared, “If people hadn’t donated, I wouldn’t be here today.” Experiencing firsthand the impact donors have on the lives of people in their community inspired her to become a regular donor.

Another lifesaving story comes from Eliza, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age three and received 800 consecutive days of chemotherapy. Her treatment required countless blood and platelet transfusions over that time. We’re thrilled to report that, thanks to regular donors, Eliza is now in remission! 

Kay and Eliza are two of the many lives that have been touched by blood donors. Because of consistent donations, their medical providers had the necessary resources to save their lives.

The Constant Demand for Blood

There’s always a need for blood donations, but if the blood shortage continues, the number of people who can’t get the care they need will grow. 

For medical emergencies, having an adequate blood supply on hand allows caregivers to provide immediate treatment and stabilize patients in critical conditions. A steady blood supply also gives medical providers the resources they need to maintain their patients’ hemoglobin levels during and after surgery.

Cancer patients rely on blood transfusions throughout their treatments to prevent anemia, weakened immune systems, and bleeding risks. Similarly, people suffering from chronic illnesses need regular blood transfusions to manage their symptoms and prevent complications.

Ultimately, the demand for blood is unpredictable. It can vary with the seasons, accidents, natural disasters, and global health crises. These factors can cause a sudden influx of patients that require medical attention. They can also disrupt the blood donation process, making it even more difficult to maintain a steady supply.

The Vital Role of Regular Donors

Blood has various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, each with specific functions. And even with the incredible advances in medical technology, recreating blood’s complex structure and functionality in a lab is a scientific challenge that requires stringent safety assessments to prevent adverse patient reactions. Artificially manufactured blood may sound like a simple solution, but it can’t scale quickly to meet sudden surges in demand. So, while we may be suffering from blood shortages, the solution isn’t simply making more blood — it’s finding more donors like you!

Blood donors are everyday heroes. They provide the critical substance needed to treat trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer patients, and people with blood disorders. Beyond planned procedures, blood donors ensure that blood is available during urgent situations. They also provide peace of mind to those enduring ongoing treatments. These patients can rest easy knowing the blood they need to survive — and thrive — is readily available.

Blood donations of all types are needed to meet different patient needs. Donors with diverse blood types ensure medical facilities have comprehensive inventories to cater to their patients’ needs.

Give Blood. Save Lives.

Believe it or not, becoming a regular donor is easy! If you’re eligible to donate, you can save up to three lives with a single donation. 

Before you donate, it’s important to prepare your body. Be sure to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal before donating to help the process run smoothly. When you’re ready to donate, just find the donation center that’s closest to you. Appointments are always welcomed but not necessary. You can schedule your appointment online using our website. Simply provide your zip code and donation center preferences, and we will find a center near you. We also recommend filling out TBC Express, our online questionnaire. This must be completed the day of your donation — and not before. After you’ve filled out the questionnaire, make sure you take a screenshot of the QR code that you receive after completing your questions. You will also need this code during the screening portion of your donation. By completing this process before you come in to donate, you can significantly improve your overall donation time.

When you arrive at the donation center, check in with your photo ID and donor ID card. You will then complete a mini-physical to confirm you’re eligible to donate. Once you’re in the screening room, you can show the QR code from your TBC Express Questionnaire.

Donor eligibility is determined by several factors. If you were born in or traveled to certain countries during specific times, this may result in a deferral. You may also be deferred if you’ve had a blood transfusion, had a transplant, came in contact with someone else’s blood, or had an accidental needle stick in the past four months. See our important donor information for a complete list of deferral circumstances. If you have AIDS or have ever had a positive HIV test, you will not be eligible to donate.

All donors must be in good health, at least 16 years old, and weigh at least 110 pounds to complete a whole blood donation. If you’re 16 and donating in SC or GA, you do need parental consent first. If you’re donating in NC, you’ll need to have a parental consent form if you are 16 or 17 years old.

After you’ve completed these steps, you can sit back, relax, and save some lives. Donations can take as little as 15 minutes, but we recommend allowing an hour for the entire donation process. Once you finish your donation, you can schedule your next one. How soon? You can donate whole blood every 56 days, so our team members will help you plan accordingly. 

Becoming a regular donor has a lasting impact on the lives of others. From emergency surgeries to ongoing treatments, countless patients rely on the generosity of people just like you to maintain their health and well-being. And if we aren’t constantly working to increase the percentage of eligible donors that donate, we will continue to experience blood shortages. No person should ever have to hear there’s not enough blood supply to get the care they need.

Ready to become a regular donor? Visit The Blood Connection website to schedule your appointment today. We’d love to get you started on your lifesaving journey.