Blood Advocacy Week kicks off June 8 and runs through June 12. During this time, blood centers and others who support the nation’s blood supply participate in advocacy efforts to improve patient access to blood and highlight the benefits of blood donation and transfusions.
Through our dedicated community of donors, we meet the needs of patients across Central Texas and expand access to prehospital transfusions in the field. It’s clear – the act of donation has a big impact.
One Drop Creates a Big Ripple
Not only can transfusions improve patient outcomes when moments matter most, but just one unit of whole blood can save up to three lives, making it easy to understand how access to blood donations benefit patients in need of transfusions.
But did you know that by helping others you are also helping yourself in several ways?
Many donors aren’t aware of the health benefits that they can experience through the act of blood donation. So, let us break it down for you!
Health Benefits of Blood Donations
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Receive a mini physical
With each donation, you receive a mini physical that includes monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol, pulse, and more. Through your donor portal, you can login to track trends across donations. This adds an extra layer of information for you and your doctor and may help identify health changes early.
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Earn an emotional boost
Blood donation has been linked to an emotional boost. During donation, your brain may release endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin, leading to a feeling of euphoria. Following blood donation, you may gain a greater sense of community. From socializing with other donors and volunteers in the canteen to knowing that a single conation can save up to three lives, donors can get a “Helper’s High” from their good deed.
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Regulate your iron levels
People with high iron levels may experience fatigue, joint pain, hormone imbalance, and more. Regular blood donation can help manage iron levels. A standard donation removed about 200-250 mg of iron per unit, helping to balance iron levels.
Basically, it’s like getting an oil change and tuneup for your body!
Help Yourself by Helping Others
This Blood Advocacy Week, we encourage you to help spread the word about the local blood supply, help your community through donating blood or platelets, and reap the benefits of your donation well beyond the day you give.