Century Park Blog
Giving Blood Saves Lives
Someone in the United States needs blood every 2 seconds. Blood is needed for blood transfusions, surgeries, serious injuries, cancer treatments, childbirth, anemia and more. There is no substitute for blood, so in honor of National Blood Donor Month, we are helping to spread the word on the importance of blood donation. Just one donation can save up to three lives.
You must meet certain requirements to be eligible to donate blood. Find out if you can give blood by clicking here. Visit the Giving=Living website to find a donation center near you.
Donating blood is safe and simple.
To make your donation as easy as possible and to avoid complications, follow these tips:
- Sleep well. Try to arrive for your blood donation well-rested.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Before you donate, drink at least 16 ounces of water for the best blood donation experience. Drinking water helps reduce the risk of low blood pressure during blood donation, which is the most common cause of fainting. It also makes your veins easier to access and can speed up your donation.
- Eat healthy. Avoid foods high in fat, like fries or ice cream. Donating blood can make your iron level drop. You can prepare your body by eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C before you donate like beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, leafy greens like spinach or broccoli, citrus fruits and berries.
- Get your ID cards ready. Bring a form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to your donation appointment.
- Dress comfortably. Be sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be rolled up above your elbow.
What should I do after I donate?
Keep your bandage on for the next several hours. You should refrain from vigorous activities for at least 4 hours after you donate and be sure and stay hydrated.
If you are not eligible to donate blood, there are still many ways to help. From hosting a blood drive to sharing on your social media feed or in your community, there are many ways we can all be involved.
The more donors there are, the more lives we can save.
