Let's Talk About Blood

I know everyone knows about blood drives or seen one, but have you ever donated before? There are so many reasons why you should at least once in your life or at least to be tested to know what type of blood you have. 

Why should I donate?

Types of Blood

I am glad you asked! Donating blood helps out millions of people in the world because whenever you donate blood, that blood goes to patients that need it for surgeries, for cancer treatments, and blood transfusions from accidents that caused them to lose a lot of blood. You can donate up to one pint of blood every 56 calendar days so that can be at least 6 patients you can help from your donations. There are some restrictions that do apply so check in with your doctor or physician first before donating.

What's my type?

We all have a type, and not referring to relationships, but it could help save a relationship. I will get to that point in a little bit, but lets talk types. Everyone has a certain type of blood and will never change. The types of blood are as followed:

4 Reasons to Know Your Blood Type

You can ask for your blood type when you donate or check in with your doctor to draw some of your blood to check your type. Knowing your type is extremely important because if you lose a lot of blood, you need compatible blood type otherwise you may not survive. It can also be helpful to others such as loved ones that need a compatible blood donation, you could possibly be the one to help them out. If you are in a committed relationship, just check with them to see if they know their blood type to see if you two are compatible if something does happen.

Platelet and Plasma

Plasma Donation 

I have made the mistake thinking that platelet and plasma were basically the same type of donating, but they are completely different. Plasma donations are set up different because you are attached to a machine that takes your blood and separates out the
plasma from the red blood cells. At the end of your donation, you get the red blood cells back into your body while the plasma stays with the nurses. Plasma is commonly used for patients with severe burns and life threatening conditions that need plasma. Unlike platelet donations, one donation of plasma can help up to four patients. Both are great ways to give back to the community around you, where ever you are, and who ever needs it. Always check in with your doctor or physician if you have any questions regarding donating. 

For more information regarding donating blood or plasma, talk to your doctor or contact The Red Cross. Information from this post was from Why Blood Donation is Important- and Who Benefits from The Red Cross and from 4 Reasons You Should Know Your Blood Type from Banner Health. For more information regarding upcoming events, check Much Difference website and check out new events that may be starting up. For updates, check out our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Soundcloud.