Did you know
- when you give blood you save up to 3 lives?!
- Every year 4.5 million lives are saved by blood transfusions.
- Every 2 seconds someone in the US needs blood.
While June is Men’s Health Month, it’s also World Blood Donor Day on June 14th. This initiative was taken in 2004 to spread awareness among people about donating blood.
Things to know before donating blood:
- Days before your donation, eat healthy, iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, fish, poultry, beans, iron-fortified cereals and raisins. This will help maintain a healthy iron level. The number one reason for deferrals when giving blood is anemia!
- Get a good nights’ sleep
- At least 3 hours before donating, eat a balanced meal and avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream
- Drink an EXTRA 16 oz of water and fluids before the donation to make sure you are not deferred for dehydration.
- Don’t forget to bring a valid government issued ID, list of any medications you’re taking, and a list of places you have visited outside the US in the past 3 years.
How long will it take to replenish the pint of blood you donate?
Plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours while the red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That’s why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.
Be a bloody legend and donate this June to help someone in need.
To find out more about what’s done with the blood you donate click here.