How to Give Blood to the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is made up of 712 chapters and 36 blood services regions, which fulfill the mission of the American Red Cross in your community. 1-800-Red- Cross

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Identification
• Good Health
• Blood to donate
• An hour of your time

1. 
   Blood Drip Pin

   Basic information from the American Red Cross about donating blood:
   
   "To give blood for transfusion to another person, you must be healthy, be at least 17 years old or 16 years old if allowed by state law. You must weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated whole blood in the last 8 weeks (56 days) or double red cells in the last 16 weeks (112 days). "Healthy" means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control."

2. 
   It takes an hour of your time and 10 minutes to actually donate your blood.

   Giving blood is not a small thing. It is more like a big deal, because you can save someone else’s life. If you have an hour to spare and 10 minutes to roll up your sleeve then you can be someone’s hero.

3. 
   Gathering information

   When you go to donate blood, you will register and they will give you information about donating your blood.

4. 
   Mini-Physical

   Next, you are asked a few health questions privately and all information taken will be confidential. Then you are given a brief health physical that includes taking your temperature, iron level, blood pressure and pulse to protect your health and well-being.

5. 
   Donating Blood

   After that, you will give your donation by letting the staff cleanse the site of the blood draw. She will clean the area and insert a needle to remove the blood. You will have 7-10 minutes to relax while the bag fills.

6. 
   I gave!

   The needle is then removed from your arm when about a pint of blood has been collected and a bandage will be placed on the area.

7. 
   Refreshments are served to make up for the blood volume.

   Now you’re finished! Now you will be given refreshments and be able to relax while your body adjust to the change in blood volume. A short time later, you can leave and resume your daily activities. Smile knowing you have done something good for another person.

Tips & Warnings

• Rarely people have some symptoms that are serious, notify a nurse and let them know so they can check you out.
• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a blood disorder let someone know. Some people cannot donate blood if they have a disorder or are not well. The blood is tested and if not usable it gets thrown away, so don't waste your blood or important money for a blood test if you know you can't donate. You can help in other ways.

Resources

• Red Cross
• Heroes

[harrietcat]

on 1/28/2009 Everyone who is able, should! Thanks so much for the info. 5*

[starlet67]

on 1/27/2009 The blood doners are real heros!!
I agree, if you can give, you should!