This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Annual Valentine Blood Drive: Why Donate?

Points of view from community members on blood donation.

This post was submitted by Elizabeth, a middle school student in Burke who volunteers regularly at the Annual Valentine Blood Drive.

The Annual Valentine Blood Drive has affected my life more than you would probably think. I have known Sadie’s family, since I can barely remember and my mom is one of the leaders of the huge blood drive family. From the day my mom first told me about the idea of a blood drive in Burke, I have gained so much more knowledge about cancer and how donating blood can help the patients battling it. The blood drive is a great experience; it’s about feeling the love, generosity, and the knowledge coming to and from the people around you. It’s not about the needles. I strongly encourage anyone throughout the local area to come to this event.

Let’s start with the first question you would ask: Why should I donate blood?

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I know I’m not old enough to donate, but maybe you are. And you could donate a little of yourself for a lot of help to someone else. I’ll start with some basics…

First of all, it’s completely safe for you to donate blood. There are no diseases that you could get. You are protected from AIDS and all other contagious viruses. And after you donate, the blood is tested 13 times to make sure there are no diseases inside it. Trust me, you’re fine.

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Another reason is that so many patients need blood. A person needs blood every two seconds. So, as you are reading this sentence, about five people need blood. And overall, 4.5 million Americans will need a blood transfusion this year. Those aren’t small numbers, folks. The sad thing is, for these big numbers, a very small amount of people can donate blood. Only 37% of Americans are eligible and less than 10% of those people actually donate.

On top of all that, another important reason is that it’s a great way to help society. If you are one of many who don’t think they can make a difference in the world, this is a good way you can help. One pint of your blood can save up to three lives. Be the one to go out and make the difference. Be the one to stand up for a cause.

“Blood Donation. It’s about an hour of your time. It’s about life.”

–America’s Blood Centers

To make an appointment to donate at the drive on Sunday, 2/10/13, visit https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/index.cfm?group=op and enter sponsor code 7637.

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