Have you ever given blood? Almost everyone has encountered posters and advertisements for blood drives, either at school, work or other gathering places. A blood drive can look strange at first: my first blood drive took place in our school gymnasium. I can still remember how odd it was to see the place I associated with dodge ball lined with people on cots sipping juice as nurses walked by. I didn’t end up donating myself - I was scared of needles at the time - but for the rest of the school day, we could always tell who donated by the bandage on their arm.
I eventually got over my fear of needles by being on the other side of the blood donation process. In 2020, I had to receive multiple blood transfusions, and let me tell you, after two days in the hospital being poked with needles, it becomes mundane. If it wasn’t for those transfusions, I doubt I would have recovered as quickly as I did. I owe my health to the kindness of strangers.
January is National Blood Donor Month. Over 6.8 million people donate blood each year, but there is always demand for more.In the United States, someone needs blood or platelets every two seconds (American Red Cross). If you want to help others, see if you’re eligible, and stop by your local blood drive. The Red Cross even has a tool to help you find a location to donate.
Patients like me will thank you.
American Red Cross. (2026). US Blood Supply Facts. Facts About Blood Supply In The U.S. | Red Cross Blood Services. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html
