The message to everyone is: the need for blood donors is constant, each and every day.  Every 2 seconds there is a person somewhere in our nation who is in need of blood or blood products.  Blood can only come from volunteer blood donors.  We must donate now to meet immediate needs when they arise. During these days when our military are in combat, the use of blood is obvious. The military has their own supply of blood but if and when their supply needs to be boosted, the American Red Cross Blood Services has agreed to supply blood. Support our community and our military by donating blood at the next available blood drive. 

The Red Cross and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agree that the nation's blood supply is safer today than it has ever been in our nation's history. The regulations and standards for blood collections by the American Red Cross Blood Services are constantly being reviewed, revised and implemented to ensure the safety of the blood supply.  Every unit of blood goes through at least nine tests to ensure patient safety.

What to Expect When Donating Blood  --- Giving blood is safe and easy.

Each year, millions of Americans take time out to give the gift of life. Because the American Red Cross knows how valuable that time is, we want you to understand the donation process and why it takes approximately one hour from the time you walk in the door to the time you walk out. The Red Cross wants to be sure it is as safe for you to donate as it is for someone to receive your blood.

When you walk into a blood drive, you'll begin at the registration table where you must present identification. Then you will read some important information, which will help you determine whether you are eligible to donate blood that day and you will complete a form with nearly 50 questions about your health history.

Once your eligibility is determined, you will head to our “health history” section, where we will give you a mini-physical examination, which includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and a drop of your blood to be sure you have enough iron to donate safely. If you are allergic to iodine, tape or natural latex rubber, tell the interviewer, so that the donation staff can substitute other materials.

You'll be asked about past and present health and lifestyle, and we will answer any questions you may have. Depending on your answers, you may be restricted from donating, either temporarily or permanently. This interview is private and confidential.

Now it's time to donate. We will cleanse an area of the arm you will be using to donate. All of the supplies, including the needle, are sterile and are used only once — for you. The actual donation usually takes about 10 minutes and you will have given approximately one pint of blood when finished. Your body will replace the plasma (liquid part) in hours and the red cells in a few weeks.

After your donation, we will give you a form with post-donation instructions. Keep in mind you should be able to go about your daily routine, though we recommend no heavy lifting the day of your donation. We will also provide a number to call if you decide after you leave that your blood may not be safe to give to another person.

If at any time you decide that you should not give blood, you may walk away. If you are temporarily restricted from giving blood, please don't give up! We hope you will return to donate blood once you become eligible.

Who Can Donate Blood?          back to top

All persons wanting to donate blood MUST present  photo identification or a blood donor card. 

YOU CANNOT DONATE WITHOUT PROPER IDENTIFICATION. 

• Anyone who is 16 years of age (in Illinois) and has written parental consent on an American Red Cross permission form.
• You must weigh 110 pounds
• You are in good health on the day of donation
• You have not donated blood in the past 56 days
• You have not been asked by Red Cross not to donate

If you have questions about your eligibility to donate (for instance, if you are taking a particular medication and aren't sure if you can give), please call 1-800-826-6239,        ext. 8571.

If you want an appointment to donate blood in Union County, call Alice Edelman, Chairperson, 833-7747.

You can find out your blood type by donating blood.  Six to eight weeks after your first donation, you'll receive a Red Cross blood donor card with your blood type. Bring the card with you each time you donate for identification purposes.  Also, get your donation date put on the back of the card.  After each eight donations, you will receive a gallon blood donor pin and an appreciation gift.

Questions about your blood donor card can be answered by calling 1-800-826-6239, ext. 8391.

How your blood donation is used

Your donation can be separated into components and used to treat several patients. The following are some uses for blood components:

• Red cells are prescribed for anemic patients.
• Platelets control bleeding in patients with leukemia and other illnesses
• Plasma from many donors is combined to make medicines such as: Anti-hemophilic factor  for hemophiliacs, Albumin for the treatment of shock and  Immune globulin to prevent or lessen the severity of some diseases.

How much blood is needed for various surgeries and accidents?

Liver transplant	6-10 units of red blood cells 20 units of plasma 10 units of platelets
Kidney transplant	1-2 units of red blood cells
Heart transplant	4-6 units of red blood cells
Adult open heart surgery	2-6 units of red blood cells 2-4 units of plasma 1-10 units of platelets
Newborn open heart surgery	1-4 units of red blood cells 1-2 units of plasma 1-4 units of platelets
Prostate cancer surgery	2-4 units of red blood cells
Abdominal aortic aneurysm	4-6 units of red blood cells
Bone marrow transplant	1-2 units of red blood cells every other day for 2-4 weeks 6-8 units of platelets daily for 4-6 weeks
Automobile accident	4-40 units of red blood cells
Leukemia	2-6 units of red blood cells 6-8 units of platelets daily for 2-4 weeks
Sickle cell disease	10-15 units of red blood cells to treat severe complications
Premature newborn	1-4 units of red blood cells while in Intensive Care

Source:
Jeffrey McCullough, M.D.
Center for Molecular and Cellular Therapy
University of Minnesota