Why are blood donors important?
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Blood donors save lives - each donation can help up to three hospital patients in their critical time of need.
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There is no substitute for your donation - each and every time you give you make a difference.
- More than 3,000 units of blood are needed each week to meet the needs of our hospital patients.
- Nine out of ten people who live to the age of 70 will use blood during their lifetime, yet less than five percent of the eligible population donates blood.
- In the United States, blood products that are transfused to hospital patients must be from an unpaid volunteer blood donor.
What are some of the benefits of becoming a blood donor?
With a single blood donation, you will do more to help others than most people do in a lifetime. In addition, LifeServe Blood Center rewards and thanks our donors with:
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A DONATION:
We want you to feel great after you’ve donated. Prior to your donation:
 Drink plenty of fluids the night before and leading up to your donation - hydration is key to a positive experience.
Eat a good meal - do not donate on an empty stomach.
Incorporate a bit more salt in your meals and snacks on the day of your donation
Get plenty of rest prior to your donation.
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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE DONATION:
Four basic steps make up blood donation:
Registration. Donors will provide their information, signed Parental/guardian permission form if necessary, and identification.
History Screening. Donors will complete a series of health and lifestyle questions and receive a mini-physical to check temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and hemoglobin level.
Donation. Collecting a unit of blood - about one pint - takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Donors may feel a slight pinch for a few seconds, but that is it!
Snacks. After the donation, donors will rest in the snack area and enjoy refreshments.
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Donating blood isn’t just about saving lives...
it’s also about improving yours.
By giving the gift of life, you can enjoy a range of personal health benefits. Here are four compelling reasons why donating blood is good for you:
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Regular blood donation can lower the risk of heart disease by reducing the amount of iron in the blood, which can help decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Improved Blood Flow: Donating blood helps to maintain healthy blood flow and reduces the risk of blood clots and blockages.
- Enhanced Red Blood Cell Production: The body replenishes the blood supply after donation, stimulating the production of new red blood cells and maintaining overall health.
- Health Checkup: Each donation includes a mini health screening (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, hemoglobin levels), which can help detect potential health issues early.
Kyle, Blood Donor
"I have always been physically active. I exercise regularly, do physical activities most evenings and weekends, and chase around my kids and dog. However, if it had not been for the mini-physical before my blood donations, I never would have known about my abnormally high-blood pressure. The phlebotomist informed me I was unable to donate blood because of it, and I should consult a doctor. When I went to see my doctor, they confirmed my high blood pressure, and commented it is often referred to as a silent killer because of the lack of symptoms. I never would have had any idea if it were not for donating blood.”