Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has been a proud longtime partner of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross has been around for more than 130 years and relies on its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners to help them provide support to communities everywhere in times of need. Its mission statement focuses on preparedness and helping those who are suffering in the face of emergency. The Red Cross delivers aid by mobilizing the power of many volunteers and donors. Anyone interested in donating blood can search for a location and sign up via the American Red Cross Blood Donor app!
Did you know that the U.S. needs approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells every single day? The need for blood in the U.S. is essential to saving lives. Why not start the new year off right by doing something selfless for the lives of others? Read more about how to donate blood, and why you should donate blood through the American Red Cross.
There are four different donation types that the American Red Cross is seeking. They are looking for whole blood donations, power red donations, platelet donations and AB elite plasma donations. The Red Cross has eligibility requirements for all four donation types. Some of these requirements include:
Whole blood donation – You must be in good health, be at least 16 years old in most states and weigh at least 110 lbs.
Power red donation – You must be in good health; men must be at least 17 years old in most states and be at least 5’1” tall and weigh a minimum of 130 lbs. and women must be at least 19 years old in most states and be at least 5’5” tall and weigh a minimum of 150 lbs.
Platelet donation – You must be in good health, be at least 17 years old in most states and weigh at least 110 lbs.
AB elite plasma donation – You must have AB blood, be in good health, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs.
There are additional requirements to each blood type donation, so before you donate, go online to verify that you are eligible.
Why donate blood with the American Red Cross?
By donating blood, you may just save someone’s life. The American Red Cross has a mission to do everything in their power to get the donations they need to save as many lives as they can. For the American Red Cross, it is simple-- donating your blood can help make a difference in someone’s life, it can even save it.
Right now, the Red Cross is asking that healthy donors book an appointment before coming to donate blood. Due to COVID-19, there are many safety protocols that the American Red Cross has in place in order to ensure the safety of their staff and donors.
When you arrive to donate blood there are a few things to expect, which include:
You will need to sign in and read the information that they give you upon arrival.
The Red Cross staff checks your blood pressure, iron level, pulse and temperature. They will also ask you some general health questions.
Then the staff member will clean your arm and begin the donation process, this part will only take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once you are done with your donation, you may drink juice and eat cookies that are in the refreshment area at the facility.
The Red Cross has started performing antibody test screens. This antibody test will help show if donors have produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless if they have had symptoms or not. The incredible thing about this antibody test is if a donor does test positive, they may be able to help other patients who are fighting the disease.
Please note that this is an antibody test and not a COVID-19 test to find out if you have the virus at the time the test is performed. If you are feeling unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms, you should not attempt to donate blood.
Every year, there are an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. that donate blood. Be one of those generous donors who make an unimaginable difference in the lives of our fellow humans everywhere.
*The information in this article was compiled from a variety of sources and is intended to provide helpful tips only.