The Bible states in Leviticus 17:11, “The life of a creature is in the blood.” Blood is considered one of the most vital things in the body. And while the average human adult has about five liters of it pumping through their arteries, there are some instances where people will lose great amounts of blood by surgery, accidents or burns. A few times a year, various organizations at TCU host blood drives. Many people are afraid to participate because they fear needles or have no idea about the process.
There isn’t a huge amount of blood taken. Carter Blood Care only takes a little less than one pint of blood. That volume of blood will be replaced within a day after giving blood.
The whole process usually takes less than an hour, with the longest parts being the registration and enjoying free post-donation cookies. As long as you have had a healthy meal beforehand and refrain from anything strenuous afterward, you should feel just fine after giving blood.
Giving blood really can save lives. One of Carter Blood Care’s 56 Fascinating Blood Facts is that 4.5 million Americans are given life through a blood transfusion each year. About 32,000 pints of blood donated in the United States are used. These pints are used in organ transplants, bone marrow transplants, heart surgeries, treating burn victims and rehabilitating those who have been in car accidents.
There are shortages of blood, especially in the summer and winter months. Of all Americans, about 60 percent of us can give blood, but only about 5 percent of people actually do. As long as people are educated about the process of blood donation, the percentage of donors will increase.
Another great thing about giving blood is that it tests blood for many diseases like HIV, hepatitis, West Nile virus and syphilis. It also tests blood for cholesterol, which can help when one is trying to track and lower it. One way to stay healthy is to know when you are not.
The next time you see that big Carter Blood Care bus, do not be afraid to go in. It’s easy, safe and free. You can even get cookies. But even the delicious taste of SnackWell’s cannot come close to the content feeling of knowing that you can save someone’s life.
Hayley Freeman is a sophomore English major from Fort Worth.
