Let’s Look at the Issues
As we have reported in Hotel Voice the last two weeks, the hotel industry’s annual blood drive will be held on Tuesday, May 26th, between the hours of 12:00 noon. and 6:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Metropolitan Hotel, 569 Lexington Ave. (between 50th and 51st Streets) in the Metro 3 Room on the mezzanine level. As we also reported, blood is in very short supply in New York and less than 1% of the residents of the five boroughs ever donate this life-saving organ. That’s why we hope that many of you will choose to participate in this year’s blood drive.
Why are blood donations are in short supply in New York? According to doctors it is because so many people mistakenly think that giving blood can be a time-consuming and painful process and many others believe that they can become ill from donating blood. All of these are mistaken beliefs.
Would you like to know the facts about donating blood? Reading the following should help. Here are the most common concerns and questions raised about donating blood . . . and the answers.
Who may donate blood?
Anyone in good health between the ages of 17 and 75 may donate blood. Donors must weigh 110 pounds or more.
Who may not donate blood?
There are some medical conditions that can temporarily or even permanently keep you from giving blood. People who have been exposed to hepatitis or the AIDS virus are asked not to donate. Donor eligibility guidelines are set to protect the donor’s health and safety as well as the health and safety of patients.
Can I get a disease from donating blood?
Absolutely not! No one has ever come down with a disease from donating blood. All equipment used to collect blood is sterile. These items are used once and discarded. Blood collections are performed by professionally trained staff members whose primary concerns are safety and the safety of the blood to be transfused. Remember, no one has ever come down with a disease from donating blood.
No one ever asked me to give blood . . .
Consider yourself invited. If you are between the ages of 17 and 75, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are healthy, you can probably donate blood.
Frankly, I’m afraid to give blood.
That’s natural. There is a slight sting when the nurse inserts the needle. Otherwise, it is quick and painless.
What if I have anemia?
If you have anemia, you cannot give blood. But anemia is often a temporary condition that can be corrected with diet. Your blood will be tested for iron content before your donation.
I may faint.
It’s not likely. In fact the chance of this happening is minimal. It does help to eat before donating and to drink extra fluids, especially after your donation. Refreshments will be provided at the blood drive.
I already donated.
Great! Many donors can give safely every 56 days, four or five times a year.
They don’t need my blood type.
This is a common misunderstanding. The simple truth is that every blood type is needed.
I don’t think I’m eligible.
You will receive a mini-health check at the blood drive. The professionally trained New York Blood Center staff makes sure that it is OK for you to donate blood.
I’m too busy.
Attendance at the blood drive will only take about an hour. Think of the many lives your one pint of blood may save. Isn’t an hour worth someone’s life?
How soon after donating blood can I go back to my regular routine?
Right away! Just be careful about pushing or lifting heavy objects for about four hours after giving blood.
How long will it take to replenish my blood?
Your blood volume is replaced by your own body within 24 hours. Red blood cells need about four to eight weeks for complete replacement. That’s why you will need to wait 56 days (or eight weeks) to donate again.
How will I feel after giving blood?
Most people feel great! Donors who know what to expect and who eat regular meals before donating are usually fine.
Why should I donate blood?
The need for blood affects us all. 95% of us will need blood sometime in our lives. One out of every 10 hospital patients requires a transfusion. Blood or blood products are in constant demand for treatment of accident cases, cancer victims, hemophiliacs, patients with sickle cell anemia, and for use during surgery. The need for blood never takes a holiday.
