Donating blood is a relatively simple and easy way to give back to your community and help those in need. According to the Red Cross, there is someone in the United States in need of blood every two seconds. A single donation can help save multiple lives. In the U.S., more than 16 million units of blood and blood products are transfused annually with more than 45,000 units needed daily. Blood transfusions can be needed for patients with cancer, traumatic injury, sickle cell, burns, and chronic diseases.
While donating blood is perfectly safe, there are a few things you can do to prepare for donation to make the process go smoothly. Before your appointment, make sure you have eaten a healthy meal. You also want to ensure that you have properly hydrated – it can help to drink extra water the day before and the day of your donation. If you are wearing a shirt with sleeves, make sure you can easily roll it up to above your elbow. Above all else, remain relaxed and calm.
Here at Hale County Hospital, we want to make it easier for you to be able to donate blood if you want to in order to fulfill our goals of neighbors helping neighbors and to continue to provide quality care close to home to all our patients. Hale County Hospital will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, June 3rd from 7 am to 12 pm, located directly outside Hale County Hospital. No appointments are necessary, but you may email h.averette@halecohosp.com if you would like to schedule one in advance.
