Blood Drive
This Monday (February 27th), students of Norwell High School were encouraged to donate to the Blood Drive. Senior classmate and donor, Sarah Bawabe, explains the full picture on blood donation in the interview below (Navigator reporter in bold, Bawabe in regular text). If you are thinking about contributing in the future, consider the following:
How many people can be saved by one blood donation?
Up to three people can be saved per donation, as there are three parts of whole blood (red blood cells, plasma and platelets) that can be separated and used for different procedures and purposes.
Are there any types of blood rarer than others?
The two most common blood types are O-positive and A-positive, with two-thirds of the population having one of these two; all other types are only among 9% or less of the population.
How much blood can be donated at a time?
One pint of blood is given during each donation, unless the donor opts for a "Power Red" donation, in which two pints of red blood cells only are donated and plasma and platelets are returned to the donor.
Many people worry that the process will hurt. Is that true?
Donating blood is not a painful process; most people would describe it as a "small pinch".
What are some precautions potential donors should take?
Donors should try to eat plenty of iron prior to donating, as having enough iron in your system is a prerequisite for being able to donate. Donors should also be sure to drink PLENTY of water (more than usual!) on the day-of so that their blood is easier to draw and so that there is an easier recovery afterwards.
What procedures can blood be used for?
Blood is used in a wide variety of procedures and operations, thereby making it one of the most constant and in-demand needs among hospitals. Everything from minor surgeries to open heart surgeries all require doctors to have blood on hand.
Why is it so important for people to donate blood?
Especially in emergency situations, blood can be crucial in keeping a patient alive after losing large amounts of blood.
Is there anything you would like to say to people who are still unsure about whether they should donate blood?
Blood donation is such an amazing way to give back to those around you and to make an impact on people you've never met. Donating will only take up about 30 minutes of your time, but your one donation can be the difference between whether or not someone survives. If you're on the fence about donating, just think about the number of people you know who have had surgeries or blood transfusions, or have been in accidents...they all had help from someone like you who chose to donate blood one day.
If you wish to donate, you have to fit a certain criteria of requirements provided by the Massachusetts General Hospital:
Basic Requirements for Blood Donation
Donors must be in good health and feel well the day of their donation
Donors must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with parental consent
Donors must weigh at least 100 lbs (110 lbs if donating blood on one of our mobile units or if donating platelets) and no more than 350 lbs
Donors must show a photo I.D.
Donation Frequency
Whole Blood: Every 56 days
Platelets: Every 7 days
Double Red Cells: Every 112 days
Health Conditions
Antibiotics: Donors are deferred for 24 hours after their final dose.
Cancer: Donors with a history of most types of cancer are eligible to donate 1 year from the date of their last treatment.
Visit www.redcross.org for more information about donations. If you are unable to make a blood donation, a financial donation can also be made. No amount is too small. Remember that with just one donation, you can save lives.
Thanks so much to Sarah Bawabe and all students who have chosen to contribute to the Blood Drive.
Sources:
"American Red Cross: Donating Blood." American Red Cross,
www.redcrossblood.org/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
"Donating Blood." Massachusetts General Hospital, www.massgeneral.org/blooddonor/
donatingblood/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2017.
