We rely on roughly twelve pints of blood in our body to keep us healthy and active every day. We need blood to provide oxygen and nutrients to our body. Without a minimum level of blood, we wouldn’t be able to get out of bed to walk the dog, get to work or to take care of any MVD issues! Now that would be a problem! 😉

There are so many people who are in need of blood to help them live every day. In honor of National Give Blood Month, we encourage you to take time out of your schedule to give blood. It’s important to note that you can give blood safely without endangering yourself. We all have the ability to replenish the plasma from our donation of one pint of blood within 24 hours. The red cells in our blood need at least four to six weeks. Blood donations have a limited shelf-life of two weeks and need to constantly be replenished.

About Giving Blood

Giving blood isn’t as scary as it sounds–we promise! Whatever your motive for giving blood is, know that you are helping someone who desperately needs it! The process is pretty simple, and you can be done within an hour for some procedures. When you come in to donate blood, you will:

• Register and go over basic eligibility requirements for donation, like being at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental permission). These could include health and medication requirements.
• Get a mini physical. Your blood pressure will be checked and you will be asked some information about health and some other personal items.
• Complete the donation. The blood donation process only lasts 8-10 minutes. You’ll be lying down comfortably in a room with a trained professional monitoring you at all times.
• Have some refreshments. Refreshments, like juice and fruit, will be available to you in the snack area after your donation is complete. After 10-15 minutes, you can leave the refreshment area.

It’s that simple and quick! After donation, it’s important to take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid exercise and strenuous activity.

Donate Today

There are a few places, such as United Blood Services, where you can make a donation. Contact them to schedule an appointment to donate blood, find out about scheduled blood drives or how to sponsor your own. They accept walk-ins daily, too!