Donating blood is an effective and easy way to give back to the community. With accidents happening every day and hospitals treating sick patients 24/7, blood is an extremely vital resource for many people that come in for treatment.
According to the American Red Cross, the nation is currently experiencing a critical shortage of blood, making it especially important that as many people as possible make donations. At a recent blood drive at the Winnemucca Convention Center on July 29, which was sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) and hosted by Vitalant—a hospital and healthcare partner that provides many blood services nationwide— 26 units of blood were donated, which is enough to help up to 58 people, according to Danny Chung, an account manager for Vitalant.
“We are always struggling to keep up with the blood supply for patients in Northern Nevada – we are currently at a critical shortage and down to a 2 day supply when we want to be at a 4-day supply,” explained Chung.
Humboldt General Hospital (HGH) Laboratory Director, Crisanti Rabanes, explained that HGH is not directly affected by the nationwide shortage, but the hospital still tries to use all blood responsibly. Blood is perishable, so sensible use of the supply is very important to the safety of the community.
“Blood inventory management is a trade-off between shortage and wastage. The challenge is to keep enough stock to ensure a 100% supply of blood while keeping time expiry losses at a minimum,” according to Rabanes.
HGH uses an average of 12 units per month, according to Rabanes, but nationally, the Red Cross confirms that there is a need for around 29,000 units of red blood cells every day in the United States and just one victim in a car accident may need up to 100 units of blood.
“One out of every 7 people who enters a hospital will need blood. And hospitals use more than 6,000 units of platelets and nearly 6,000 units of plasma daily. That means more than 10,000 people need to donate blood daily to meet patient need—yet only about three percent of Americans donate each year,” Chung also reported.
There are three different key elements of blood —red blood cells, platelets, and plasma—each of which can be used to help a different patient. For instance, red blood cells often aid surgery patients and platelets are used to help cancer patients. Plasma is used in instances of trauma or on burn patients, according to Vitalant. According to Red Cross, red blood cells are only usable within 42 days or less and platelets must be used within five days.
“Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant. There are no substitutes for blood, platelets or plasma—they cannot be manufactured. Patients in need of blood or blood products must rely on donations from people like you,” said Rabanes.
The next upcoming blood drive will be at the Winnemucca Convention Center West Hall on Wed., Aug. 24 from 12 to 5:30 p.m. To donate blood, the State of Nevada requires that an individual be 17 years or older, at least 110 pounds, and in good health. Other local blood drives sponsored by NGM have helped people to donate as much as 523 units of blood since 2020, which is enough to help save more than 1,500 lives, according to NGM. Making a donation is easy and only takes an hour at most.
What to expect
Upon arrival, individuals fill out questionnaires that help determine good health. Then blood pressure, temperature, and pulse are taken. The area that the needle will go in is cleaned and the needle, which is connected to a bag to collect the blood, is inserted into a vein. Donors need only to sit patiently while the bag is filled and squeeze a ball to help blood flow. Once the bag is full, the needle is removed and it’s likely that the donor will get a snack to help replenish them.
“Donating blood is one of the best gifts you can give to help patients and honor loved ones. It’s very personal, and you’ll feel amazing knowing that your donation has a direct impact on the life of a stranger in dire need. In fact, donating blood can work wonders for your mental health, too. Multiple studies reveal that helping others can reduce stress, improve your emotional well-being, reduce negative feelings and feelings of isolation, and give you a sense of belonging,” said Chung.
Other opportunities to donate:
• October 22 at HGH from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (walk-ins welcome, or visit donors.org and search Blood Drive, Code: HGHHospital, or call Vitalant at (775) 329-6451 to make an appointment).