Maybe this was just me, but growing up, I don’t recall hearing much encouragement to donate blood from the community I was a part of, including the Christian community I grew up in. As a teenager, I don’t remember any sermons in which blood donations was promoted & fostered. Somehow it was important, especially when someone needed some blood, but, it was a “task” for someone else to fulfill. 

That’s why I want to be vocal, and make sure you hear at least from me: if you can, donate blood! It is vital! 

I am blessed and fortunate to have good health, and have never needed blood given to me. But, I know people who need blood transfusion to continue to live. By donating blood, you are donating the gift of life. 

There are many conditions that can lead to a person needing emergency or regular blood transfusions. And, there is a constant need for regular blood supply because blood can be stored for only a limited time before use. Regular blood donations by a sufficient number of healthy people are needed to ensure that safe blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed.

• According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment. 
• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

Less than 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets, and only 3% of the population donates blood. Yet, each donation can potentially save up to 3 lives! 

Here is a little bit about the blood donation itself from my experience: 

• it is not painful at all
• the process of blood donation itself takes about 10 minutes, while the whole appointment takes about 45 minutes. 
• don’t worry about the “after affects” of giving blood. I was afraid of giving blood thinking I was going to faint with no energy afterwards. At least for me, I have not experienced any loss of energy after donating blood. 
• You can donate blood every 56 days (8 weeks). 
• In the United States, blood supply exists because of people volunteering to donate their blood. There is no “payment” or coercing involved. The blood supply exists only because 3% of the population considers it vital enough to regularly give of their blood to help others. 

In conclusion, I know some of you reading this are not eligible to give blood. Don’t worry, no shame! But, I think I have very many friends who ARE eligible to give blood, yet have never done so. I just want encourage you: why not try it? 

And if this post encourages someone to try it once, Ill be deeply satisfied. Let me know how it goes!

PS. If you donate blood at BloodworksNW in February, they will test your blood for antibodies for covid! If you are not certain if you had covid, that is one way to find out!