Every 2 seconds, someone in the US needs blood. Bottom line: blood donation saves lives!
Blood products are in short supply across the US, and not enough people donate regularly. Every day, hospitals like Valley Children's rely on the selfless contributions of blood donors to treat patients in need of emergency transfusions, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatments.
At Valley Children’s Hospital, we provide about 6,000 transfusions per year to about 1600 children! The patients who receive the most transfusions are patients in hematology/oncology, heart surgery, critically ill patients and our general surgery patients. Sometimes these children need specialized blood products, such as platelets and plasma. In 2023, there were about 5600 total transfusions, with about 3200 blood transfusions in our hospital. So far, the data collected between January to March 2024 shows that our hospital had shortages in blood products every single month. By donating blood products, you can directly impact the lives of these children, offering them hope and a chance for a healthier future.
The Blood Donation Process
The Central California Blood Center (CCBC) is the sole blood collector and blood service provider in Fresno, Madera, Kings, Mariposa, and Tulare counties. All blood centers are non-profit organizations sharing the same mission: to collect voluntary blood donations to save lives.
The blood donation process is straightforward and designed to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. It begins with an intake questionnaire, where you'll be asked about your recent travel history, general medical background and any medications you are currently taking. This screening helps identify any potential risks and ensures that you meet the eligibility requirements for a donation.
Next, a staff member will check your blood pressure, heart rate and hemoglobin levels through a quick finger poke. The FDA requires a minimum hemoglobin level of 12.5 gm/dL - if your level is below this threshold, you won't qualify to donate at that time. If you're eligible, you'll be taken to a comfortable chair, where a skilled phlebotomist will find a suitable vein for the donation. The actual blood collection takes about 5–10 minutes, during which approximately one pint of blood is drawn. It's a simple yet impactful way to make a difference in someone's life. Plus, many centers offer rewards as a token of appreciation for your generosity. For instance, I recently donated during a "pint for pint" promotion and was delighted to receive a pint of ice cream after my donation - a sweet treat for a sweet cause!
Many potential donors believe they do not meet the criteria to donate based on common myths in the community! Here are a few common myths and facts to help clarify some of those thoughts!
MYTH: Anyone who has traveled cannot donate blood.
FACT: Blood centers screen for travel due to the risk of diseases like Malaria, Zika virus, or other region-specific illnesses, but it does not permanently disqualify you from donating. The deferral period varies depending on the destination and the time spent there. Blood centers keep updated guidelines on travel-related restrictions, so it's best to check with your local center if you have recently traveled abroad.
MYTH: People who get tattoos cannot donate blood.
FACT: If your tattoos are done by a licensed artist, they do not make you ineligible to donate blood.
MYTH: If someone has high cholesterol or high blood pressure, they cannot donate blood.
FACT: Blood donor screening does not examine cholesterol levels. Regardless of the level, the amount of cholesterol in donated blood is insignificant to the recipient. During pre-donation screening, if your blood pressure is abnormal, the blood center will repeat the measurement, and in many cases, you may still be eligible to donate.
MYTH: Gay men can never donate blood.
FACT: Eligibility is based on a “risk-based assessment” rather than identity. For example, anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, who has had a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners within the last three months would be deferred until three months have passed since the last exposure.
MYTH: All kinds of diagnostic testing are done at blood centers, so anyone can go there and get free tests.
FACT: Blood centers are not licensed to perform diagnostic testing. If you need diagnostic blood tests, consult your physician. Visit a blood center only if you are in good health and want to donate blood to help save lives.
MYTH: Persons with a history of cancer or those taking a lot of medication cannot donate blood.
FACT: Depending on recovery and/or specific medication history, many people can donate blood safely. Consult your physician or your local blood center to find out if you are eligible.
Understanding the facts about blood donation is crucial in breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to participate in this life-saving practice. Whether it's helping a child with cancer, supporting an accident victim or assisting someone undergoing surgery, your blood donation makes a profound difference. We urge you to consider becoming a regular blood donor to ensure that hospitals have the resources they need to save lives.
Together, we can make a significant impact on our communities and provide vital support to those in need!
To learn how to donate or to see the Valley Children's Pop-Up Blood Center location, visit https://www.donateblood.org/donor-center-hours/.
About the Author
Dr. Pranita Shenoy comes to Valley Children's from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and is in her third year of Postgraduate Residency. Her care philosophy is working with patients and parents as a team. She is an advocate for informed care and aims to be a doctor that builds relationships with patients so they feel comfortable and trust her to provide the best possible care. Learn more about Dr. Shenoy here.