Skip Navigation
    All Care & Services

    Give Blood, Give Life

    Blood Donor Day June 14th
     

    You don’t need to be a healthcare professional, first responder, or vaccine researcher to save a life. You simply need to visit your local blood drive and donate a pint of your blood.

    Of all the random acts of kindness or pay it forward activities possible for us non-superheroes, none have the potential impact of a blood donation. One donation can save up to three lives (if its components of plasma, red cells, and platelets are used separately).

    World Blood Donor Day, celebrated each year on June 14, encourages all of us to become blood donors to save others and ensure a safe and accessible blood supply. Blood donors help patients of all ages, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

    There is currently no substitute for human blood – it cannot be artificially produced. It also has a limited shelf life, making voluntary donations essential to meeting the everyday demand for blood transfusions. One hour spent donating blood (the actual donation typically takes 7-10 minutes) could mean a lifetime for someone else.

    If you need more motivation, do it for yourself. Studies show that regular blood donation may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. Donating blood can also lower iron levels, potentially reducing the risk of iron overload and associated health issues.

    Blood donors also burn calories while donating, stimulate new blood cell production, and receive the equivalent of a minor checkup prior to donating. Perhaps most important of all, giving blood is good for your mental health – helping others can promote a sense of purpose and well-being.

    It’s natural to have concerns about giving blood, especially if you have never donated before. Most donors will tell you that giving blood is worth it, even with the (possible) initial pinch of the needle, a few minutes filling a small bag, and an hour visit overall.

    Check with your physician if you have questions. If you don’t have a physician, you can find an Ennis Regional Medical Center practitioner here or by calling 972.777.4290. Finding a local blood drive is as easy as typing a search into Google or contacting your local American Red Cross center or other blood center.

    This World Blood Donor Day or any day, consider giving the gift of life by being a donor. The 60 minutes of your time and 16 ounces of your blood could be a priceless gift to someone in need.