National Blood Donor Month, and why it’s Important

Any functioning individual could tell you that blood is a very important connective tissue in the body that helps keep us alive.  With this being said, it is very important that those who can help, do help.  There is a reason why in order to be a government, there has to be structure.  Whoever is in charge has the job of encouraging individuals to love one another and care for another.  It is very disappointing to see individuals be so lazy and inconsiderate to those who need help.

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States requires a blood transfusion (Columbia University Irving Medical Center 2022), and as of 2022, the U.S. is facing its worst blood shortage in over a decade (Columbia University Irving Medical Center 2022).  Every two seconds is equivalent to 30 individuals per hour, 720 per day, 5, 040 per week, and about 262, 800 per year.  With these statistics right now, that’s about five million sixteen thousand and nie hundred and sixty (5, 016, 960) people in my lifetime that have had the risk of dying due to some cause such as car crashes and natural disasters, in need of a blood transfusion.  In the process of donating blood, “ ‘you are getting a mini-physical,’ says DeSimone…  If we detect an issue with your vital signs or another health issue, we would direct you to go to a physician at that point to be checked,’ DeSimone says” (Columbia University Irving Medical Center 2022).  This ought to be enough motivation for individuals with the mindset of “this doesn’t have anything to do with me, why should I be concerned”, to get out of that mindset and just help out of the kindness of their hearts.  It doesn’t only benefit others, but it could also benefit yourself as well.  Having a regular checkup could expose you to medical conditions you didn’t know about that may have come up recently, that could prevent or affect you from future procedures, surgeries, etc.

For those unfamiliar with the donation process, the entire donation process takes a little over an hour, but the blood withdrawal itself only takes about eight minutes (American Red Cross 2023).  Although this time span may seem like a big portion of your day, just imagine how much of a difference it can make (a huge one).  The process consists of registration, a mini physical, the donation, and refreshments (American Red Cross 2023).  It is important to take care of yourself (directly) after the procedure since, well, you did just give away some of your blood.  You will be directed to rest for 10-15 minutes after your procedure, and instructed to drink an extra 32 oz of non-acoholic liquids, keep your bandage on and dry, without bearing any heavy equipment, and a few other safety precautions (American Cross 2023).  This process may be scary or inconvenient for some to try to give blood, and some may not be able to give blood because of health conditions, but for those who can and aren’t, just think how uncomfortable those who need the blood are, and are on their deathbeds.  The perfect opportunity awaits; to register for a drive just go to American Red Cross- Blood Services, enter your zip code, and find a drive nearby.

No matter what or who you believe in– how you think we got to be here on earth, one thing that’s for certain, is that we were put here to help one another.  We should not live in selfishness.  For those who are willing to help, help.  If you have any further questions about donating blood, you can always use the American Red Cross as a reliable source.  Hundreds of people are at risk everyday because they don’t have enough blood to regulate themselves.  Be a blessing to another, and don’t be inconsiderate or selfish.  Educate yourself, and get yourself out there.