Blood donations save thousands of lives every year, yet the American Red Cross almost always has a need for more blood to be donated. That’s partially due to the fact that less than 38 percent of the population is eligible to donate in the first place, but also because events like natural disasters increase the need for blood and because circumstances like severe winter weather have forced the cancellation of blood drives.
There’s no doubt that donating blood can save lives, but did you know there are also health benefits for donors? Read on to find out more about the potential advantages of giving blood.
Reduced Iron Levels
Iron helps transport oxygen around the body, and about two-thirds of our body’s iron is in our red blood cells. While some people have too little iron (known as iron deficiency), having too much iron in our blood can also be a problem. Over time, excess iron gets deposited in the liver, heart and pancreas, where it can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, cardiac arrhythmia and diabetes. Removing red blood cells during blood donations is one of the only ways to reduce the amount of iron in the body.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Why Is the Need so High?
Consider blood donation facts from the American Red Cross:
- Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
- One donation can save as many as three lives.
- Only about seven million people in the U.S. donate blood on a yearly basis. That’s a little over two percent of the population.
- People with certain conditions need blood transfusions regularly, such as those suffering from cancer or patients with sickle cell disease.
Multiple studies have found that blood donation improves heart health. This 2013 study found that regular blood donation lowered total cholesterol, while another found that people who donated blood every six months also had fewer heart attacks and strokes. And these aren’t small reductions in risk. The American Journal of Epidemiology found that blood donors are 88 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack.
Lower Cancer Risk
This benefit is likely linked to reducing iron in the blood. Studies show reduced risk for cancers of the liver, colon, lung, esophagus and stomach among regular blood donors.
Emotional and Social Benefits
While more difficult to measure than the benefits above, the emotional benefits of giving blood shouldn’t be ignored. Helping others can reduce stress levels, improve your emotional well-being and create a sense of belonging among you and your fellow donors. Because most people choose to donate at blood drives close to their home or at work, building that bond with co-workers or people in your community can have real benefits for your emotional health.
Identify Potential Health Problems
Before giving blood, donors undergo a brief health screening that measures their pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels. While this screening isn’t a replacement for visiting your doctor for an annual checkup, it could help uncover an underlying medical condition the donor isn’t aware of yet, such as high blood pressure. After you give blood, your donation is also tested for 13 different infectious diseases, including HIV and West Nile virus. The Red Cross shares any findings with the donor.
So the next time your LIUNA District Council, Local Union, signatory employer or local community organization hosts a blood drive, consider donating. Keep in mind, however, that some people aren’t able to give blood. Click here to find out more about the standard screening and donation process for giving blood. If you have questions or concerns about whether it’s safe for you to donate, contact your local American Red Cross chapter, hospital or healthcare facility.
[Nick Fox]
