03-14-2003, 12:32 AM
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Cheesesteak GURU! Wiz with
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tullytown
Posts: 3,325
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March is American Red Cross Month!
Red Cross Expert Clears Up Top Ten Myths About Blood Donation, Says Potential Donors are Misinformed or Uninformed
Quote:
PHILADELPHIA, March 13 /PRNewswire/ -- There are a variety of reasons why many eligible people choose not to donate blood. A large portion of those potential donors are uninformed or misinformed about blood donation, says an American Red Cross expert.
"It could be that people think their blood donation is not really needed, or they think that donating will hurt, but whatever the case, there are a lot of myths that hold people back from donating blood," says Dr. Scott Murphy, chief medical officer of the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey Region. "Once someone actually takes the step and donates, they find that it's easy and walk away feeling good. They've helped save a life."
Murphy gives the top ten reasons why most people do not donate blood:
-- Someone else will donate if I don't.
Fact: only five percent of the eligible population actually
donates. That five percent must meet 100 percent of the patient
needs in our community. It is easy to see how there is a blood
shortage if many people think that other people are always there to
donate.
-- I gave blood last year, so why should I give again this year.
Fact: Blood products expire. Red blood cells must be used within
42 days. Platelets must be used within five days and plasma can be
frozen and used up to a year. The blood supply must constantly be
replenished. Donors are eligible to donate whole blood every
56 days, that's almost once every two months. However, the average
donor only donates 1.7 times a year.
-- If I give blood, it will decrease my strength.
Fact: Giving blood does not decrease your strength and your body
replaces the lost blood volume within a matter of hours.
-- If I or my loved one is critically injured, the blood will be there
if we need it. You don't really have a shortage.
Fact: Hospital procedures have been cancelled before due to a lack
of blood availability. The only way to ensure that the Red Cross
has enough blood to meet every day patient needs and emergencies is
for the community to keep the blood supply strong continuously.
Blood products expire, and what may seem like a strong supply one
week may not be the following week. Donating blood regularly helps
prevent this and keeps us prepared.
-- Having my blood drawn will hurt.
Fact: Besides the slight pinch of the needle, the actual process of
having your blood drawn does not hurt.
-- I can get a disease if I donate blood.
Fact: You cannot get any diseases from donating blood. A sterile
needle and plastic bag system are used to collect your blood and
they are disposed of immediately after your donation.
-- I have diabetes and I take medication, so I can't donate.
Fact: While there are some medical conditions that make donors
ineligible, there are conditions where it is safe to donate, such as
diabetes. A Red Cross nurse can discuss the list of conditions that
make donors ineligible. In most cases, as long as you feel well the
day of your donation, and you are generally healthy, at least 17
years of age, and at least 110 pounds, you are able to donate.
-- What are the chances that a family member will need blood? Giving
blood doesn't affect me personally.
Fact: There is an 85 percent chance that you, a family member or
friend will need a blood transfusion one day.
-- I've fainted before when I've had my blood drawn for other reasons.
That means I can't donate.
Fact: Even if you've fainted before, you may still be eligible to
give blood.
-- I don't have a lot of spare time. Donating blood takes too long.
Fact: The actual process of donating blood takes eight to
10 minutes. The entire process takes about an hour, including
registration, health history, blood donation, and recovery. One
hour, one donation, can save three lives. The good feeling you have
when you leave makes the hour all worth it.
To find out more information or to make a blood donation appointment, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or go to the American Red Cross Penn-Jersey website at www.pleasegiveblood.org.
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