Every year, the United States and 194 countries around the world, celebrate World Blood Donor Day on June 14th. This day serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
The need for blood is constant and makes a difference between life and death every single day. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, and every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets. One in seven hospital patients will need a blood transfusion for things like surgery, trauma, cancer treatment, or treating disease.
Blood donations are essential for patients who need medical treatments. For example, the Dandridge family, a father and three children who have sickle cell disease, the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States. Sickle cell disease can cause severe medical issues and pain, and blood transfusions are used to treat the disease. Blood and platelet transfusions also saved Sandy Thornton, a cancer survivor from Dallas, Oregon, who needed 55 platelet and 25 red blood transfusions while awaiting a bone marrow transplant.
Donating blood is one of the most impactful ways a person can help others. One single donation can save up to three lives. There is no substitute for human blood, and volunteer blood donation is an essential part of healthcare across the world. Maintaining blood supply is the American Red Cross Cascades Region’s mission. In 2024 alone, they collected over 152,000 red blood cell units. That’s16,627 in Deschutes County, including over 104 units from office blood drives.
How to donate blood in Central Oregon:
Our local Red Cross chapter makes it easy to find a local blood drive! Check out redcrossblood.org, and use their “find a blood drive” option on the homepage. Enter your zip code to find an upcoming blood drive near you!
What to expect during your donation:
It can be understandable to feel scared or nervous before your first donation. Blood drive volunteers will make you feel safe, comfortable, and answer any questions you have. You complete a screening questionnaire for eligibility, which includes:
- You must be 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18)
- Weigh at least 110 pounds
- Be in generally good health
You must bring a photo ID to your appointment and have had a meal and water before your appointment. While blood donation itself only takes about 10 minutes, expect your appointment to take around an hour from questionnaire to recovery. Once complete, you will wait in the recovery area for 10 – 15 minutes, enjoying snacks and drinks while you wait.
If you or a loved one have ever been hospitalized or injured, you might understand just how important blood transfusions can be. Whether you donate often, or are considering for the first time, your contribution is vital and can offer someone else a second chance at life. Consider donating blood today!
