In the U.S. alone, there is someone in need of blood every two seconds. Every two seconds, two blinks of an eye, two steps, and two breaths, someone could be in a life-threatening situation that requires a blood transfusion (American Red Cross). As such, the importance of donating blood is undeniable. Because of this constant need for blood, blood drives are held to support blood supply and spread knowledge about donating blood. But even knowing that having a supply of blood is important, how can it help save lives?
- Whole Blood
When doing surgeries, especially those following an accident, blood is needed to compensate for the blood lost during any pre-surgery events alongside any blood loss during the surgery. In the U.S. alone, 40-50 million surgeries occur annually, therefore, the blood supply must match that demand (NIH). As a large amount of blood is lost in accidents, the type of blood that would be transfused is whole blood. As the name suggests, whole blood hasn’t been separated into different parts such as the red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma (American Red Cross).
- Plasma
On the topic of the different parts of blood, Plasma is important for its use in life-saving events such as burns or shocks, severe trauma, and cancer treatment. In the case of burns, shocks, or severe trauma, Plasma is used to constitute lost electrolytes, balance blood pressure, and generally lost blood from such events (American Red Cross). Plasma donations are also significant as they have proteins crucial to immunity and maintaining the body’s pH (American Red Cross). As for cancer treatment, its use can dispose of cancerous cells while also healing any wounds inflicted by the cells (NIH).
- Red and White Blood Cells
Red blood cells, living up to their name, give blood the signature red color and billions of them exist within a couple drops of blood. As their role is to bring oxygen to the lungs and transfer carbon dioxide, the lack of red blood cells can result in fatigue known as anemia. This lack can also be caused by bleeding disorders or kidney disease where blood is not processed correctly and anemia can appear in worse stages (NIH). In 2021, the CDC found that 9.3% of people in the U.S. had anemia (CDC). This statistic simply promotes the importance of red blood cells and blood donation. While white blood cells are also essential to the body, such as supporting the immune system, transfusions do come at a risk. This is due to the carrying of viruses in the blood that could suppress the immune system of the receiver (American Red Cross).
- Platelets
Lastly, Platelets are cell fragments made in the bone marrow that form clots in the blood. While that does not sound ideal, the Platelets provide control as they actually control bleeding in the body. This makes Platelets vital to organ transplant surgeries and cancer treatment. The transfusion of Platelets allows cancer patients to recover any loss due to the bone marrow damage of leukemia or lymphoma. Without the donation of Platelets, which are needed every 15 seconds, many would suffer from fatal bleeding caused by a lack of clots (American Red Cross).
Not only is donating blood essential for these causes, but the experience can also benefit the donor as Sarah Kang (11) ensures, “Donating blood not only helps those in need but also benefits the donor. Donating blood can help improve heart health by reducing unnecessary iron in the body, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and stimulate blood cell regeneration. Donors also receive a free health check-up, allowing for an early detection of potential health issues. In addition to the physical benefits, donating blood fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Best of all, you get the honor of knowing you helped save lives!”
Especially with the upcoming blood drive sponsored by UCI Health, Lab Medicine right on YLHS’s campus, there is no better time to donate blood. As someone who has gotten blood drawn, which is the same process as blood donation, Gabby Wong (10) can vouch, “It’s not painful and takes a short amount of time.” To those 16 and above, simply fill out the form to book an appointment and be ready for the blood drive on March 27th and save lives!
