The American Red Cross distributes about 9.5 million blood products each year from around 6.5 million units donated by approximately 4 million volunteers. The average red blood cell transfusion received is about 3 pints.
This week, people can donate blood at two
A $25 prepaid Visa card will be given away to one donor from each location.
The goal for each is to collect 45 pints at the church and 25 pints at the mall, said Taylor MacPherson, a donor recruitment representative from the
“There is only one way to get blood,” he said, “and that is to get donors.”
Volunteers can donate up to six times a year. The two locations hold blood drives every couple of months, or 56 days. Donors can volunteer as often as every 56 days, MacPherson said.
“They’re called 56-day donors,” he said.
Donating 1 pint has the capability of helping three people.
Anyone interested in donating blood needs to bring a photo identification or a Red Cross donor card, if they have donated previously.
“The biggest thing is,” MacPherson said, “we want (donors) to have enough iron to be able to donate.”
He suggests donors eat plenty of iron-rich foods the week, or at least a few days, before donating. Foods include red meats, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, raisins and iron-fortified cereals such as grits. Foods high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and red, yellow and orange peppers, help with iron absorption.
Eat a healthy meal avoiding fatty foods and get a good night’s sleep the night before donating, and drink 16 ounces of water shortly before donating, according to redcrossblood.org. Snacks will be available at the site to help maintain energy.
After donating blood, drink four 8-ounces glasses of water and avoid drinking alcohol over the next 24 hours, the website states.
“One of the biggest things is to stay hydrated,” MacPherson said.
Drinking plenty of water opens up the veins, making the donation process easier, he said.
MacPherson, who has been working with the Red Cross for six months, said summertime is usually slower because many people are on vacation, but he hopes the community will support the drives.
“We’re just happy,” he said, “people are going to come out and help our hospitals and help our community.”
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.
Breakout box:
Where to donate
Northwest Christian Church — Tuesday, noon-6 p.m., goal: 45 pints
Vernon Park Mall — Wednesday, 2-7 p.m., goal: 25 pints
What happens to donated blood?
n About 1 pint of blood and several small test tubes are collected from each donor, stored in iced coolers and transported to a Red Cross center
n The blood is processed and separated into its components
n A dozen tests are performed to establish the blood type and test for infectious diseases. If a test result is positive, the unit is discarded and the donor is notified.
n Components are stored — red cells are refrigerated for up to 42 days, platelets are stored in agitators for up to five days and plasma and cryo are frozen for up to one year
n Blood is available for distribution 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Source: American Red Cross