Answering Questions about Blood Donation

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Local Sources- If you are considering donating blood, you may have some questions.

Ashley Hughes with the American Red Cross gave an insight into what to expect, what the process is and more on donating blood through their organization.

To help prepare for your donation appointment, Hughes says to drink plenty of water and make sure to eat.

“In preparation for that, we ask that you drink a good amount of water throughout the day and eat a good meal. Some people think their supposed to fast.”

To save you time when at your appointment, Hughes says you can answer some of their questions beforehand using Rapid Pass.

“You’ll also have the opportunity to complete your Rapid Pass. Rapid Pass is something that can expedite your time. You can answer the questions the day of to ensure the safety of our blood supply. If not that’s fine, I know some people don’t like to go on their phones or computers and answer questions like that.”

Once you are checked in for your appointment, you then will go through a “mini-physical” as Hughes described. During this, you’re iron, blood pressure, your heart rate, and others to ensure you are physically capable to donate with them.

Should situations arise like low iron or too high blood pressure, Hughes explains this does not eliminate you from donating at a later date.

“Everything we do is all FDA (Federal Drug Administration) regulated. If it is an iron or blood pressure issue you may be able to sign up to donate the next day. Sometimes iron can fluctuate, and blood pressure can be high because you worked out before your appointment, which we don’t recommend.”

According to the American Red Cross, Blood Donations drop during the summer months, especially around holidays. According to Hughes, the nation was 12% short in June 2022. That was one of the largest falls in a single month in recent years.

To encourage blood donations, the Red Cross has rolled out incentives and giveaways for those who donate blood with them.

Currently, to celebrate Shark Week, the Red Cross is offering:

- From July 1^st-31^st: Donors will be automatically entered for a chance to win an outdoor adventure package including a paddle board, fire pit, kayak, beach bike and a $500 gift card for accessories

- From July 21^st-24^th: An exclusive Shark Week Shirt, while supplies last

Upcoming Blood Drives in and around Dubois County:

• Sunday July 17^th at Mary Help of Christian from 7am-12pm. **To sign up call 1-800-RED CROSS**
• Tuesday, July 19^th at the VFW Post 2366 in Huntingburg from 3pm-7pm
• Tuesday, July 26^th at St. Mary’s Huntingburg from 2pm-7pm
• Thursday, July 28^th at American Legion Hall- Jasper from 1pm-6pm.

To sign-up, call 1-800-Red-CROSS or here