
Donate blood in honor of National Blood Donor Month!
January was National Blood Donor Month. During the winter, hospitals and blood banks are in great need of blood donations. Your donation can save up to three lives! From cancer patients to sickle cell disease sufferers, a blood donation can make all the difference. Be a hero and donate today.
Facts about blood.
- Someone needs a blood donation every two seconds.
- The most sought out blood type is O because it can be given to more than one blood type.
- You don’t have to donate blood. You can donate platelets or plasmas, too!
- You can donate blood every 56 days.
Eligibility.
Before you head off to the blood bank, make sure you’re eligible to donate. These rule are in place to keep both yourself and blood recipients safe!
- You must be 17 years old (some states allow 16) to donate. If you’re under 18, then you’ll need parental permission.
- You must weigh more than 110 lbs.
- You must be in good health.
If you’ve recently gotten a tattoo, traveled to a foreign nation, or started any new medications, there’s a chance you may not be eligible to donate. For a more detailed list of eligibility requirements, check the Red Cross.
Preparation.
Now that you’re ready to donate, there are a few things you should do the night before. Drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated and eat iron-rich foods like broccoli and spinach to increase your hemoglobin levels. Wear loose fitting clothing when you head over to the donation center and make sure to bring your I.D. and a list of any medications you’re taking.
Cook, Disharoon & Greathouse, Inc. proudly supports the local community. Located in Oakland, California we serve all your personal and commercial insurance needs. Contact us for more information.