Louisville, KY

It is not unusual to hear radio and TV announcements telling Louisville residents that the blood supply is critically low and that the American Red Cross needs donors. This summer the supply has become lower than normal and for most blood types. The blood supply in the River Valley Region is less than 2 days and Type O has almost no reserves. I have given blood in the past, especially when reserves are very low, but I am not a regular donor. Let’s face it- giving blood is not exactly a fun experience. However, it is very important that more people start to give blood so that the supplies do not keep reaching critical levels.

People from Kentuckiana tend to be very generous, giving millions of dollars to various local, national, and international charities. However, in this region of the Red Cross only 4.5% of the population gives blood versus 5.5% of the national population. I believe part of the problem is that people do not know what to expect and are afraid of the procedure.
My biggest problem in donating regularly is just making the time.

You can call and make an appointment, go to one of the two donations centers during business hours, or find one of the numerous blood drives held by various organizations and businesses. When you first walk in to give blood you must sign in, prove your identity, and read some information about giving blood and what the Red Cross then does with that blood. You are then taken to a cubicle where a volunteer will ask various questions about your health and background. Your blood pressure, temperature, and blood will also be tested to make sure you are in good enough health to proceed.

After the initial interview is over you are taken to a comfortable lounge chair where you can pick which arm they will take blood out of. A technician preps your arm by cleaning it off and finding a vein. A needle is stuck in the vein on the inside of your elbow and you gently squeeze a ball that is in your hand to keep the blood flowing into the collection bag. I am not a big fan of needles, but this process in not very painful. In fact, it just feels like a small pinch and then there is very minor discomfort while you are giving blood.

My dad, whose has nice big veins, can give a pint of blood in about 5 minutes. I, on the other hand, have very small, deep veins and it takes about 20 minutes for me to fill up a bag. Overall it usually takes my dad 45-60 minutes to give blood and it takes me 60-75 minutes. It is best to stay for 5-10 minutes after giving blood and have a snack and some juice, since you have just lost a pint of fluids from your body.

I am not going to lie to you and say it’s the most enjoyable experience, but it is really not that big of a deal and you do feel good about potentially saving someone’s life with your donation. In fact the Red Cross states that one whole blood donation can save up to three lives.

There are currently thirty blood drives in the Louisville area listed at www.givebloodnow.org. Churchill Downs is hosting a special blood drive in which donors will receive coupons for a free pint of ice cream and a pass to Paramount’s Kings Island, as well as Stocker’s Broasted Chicken and Graeter’s ice cream. That blood drive is today and tomorrow from 11am to 6pm and on Friday by appointment.

So if you are 17 years old, over 110 lbs, and in good general health, think about going to one of the donation centers or blood drives this month. I am planning on going to the Hubbard’s Lane center tomorrow after work since they will be open until 7pm. Go to the American Red Cross website for even more information.

Tell me about any good or bad experiences you have had with giving blood or getting donated blood.