Blood Drive at Poinsettia, June 28, 2009

Sunday, June 28, 2009

 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Poinsettia Elementary School Cafeteria

350 North Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA

 Please R.S.V.P to bloodforjeanette@gmail.com

Stacy Eckstrom 805-216-9904

What You Should Know About Whole Blood Donations

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WHOLE BLOOD DONATIONS

 

WHY SHOULD I DONATE BLOOD?

 

• Despite the increasing blood shortage and the need for donors, only 5% of eligible donors actually donate regularly.  In Southern California that number shrinks to just under 3%.
• While demand of blood components has risen %1 per year, the number of blood donations has fallen about 1% a year.
• City of Hope patients need approximately 2500 units of blood and blood components every month.  City of Hope transfuses approximately 30,000 units annually.  If donors DO NOT come forward, our blood supply will rapidly be exhausted.
• The demand for blood is greater today then ever as the City of Hope blood supply needs constant replenishing.
• Without blood and blood components, life saving treatments that our patients depend on would be seriously compromised.
• City of Hope does over 500 bone marrow transplants annually.  Those lucky enough to have found a match and receive donated bone marrow become completely donated blood and platelet dependent until their donated marrow engrafts.
• Donating blood is simple, fast and safe.  It is also a significant gift that will assist our patients in their fight to regain their good health and quality of life.

 

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO DONATE BLOOD?

 

The blood donation process is easy and takes less then one hour.  Most donors find it a painless and heartwarming experience.  Answering a health questionnaire is the first step.  In a brief interview you will be asked about your medical history.  Then our staff will conduct a mini physical exam to determine your current health status.  The actual donation process takes about 10 minutes.  You will relax in a comfortable chair while a trained nurse collects approximately one pint of your blood.  After donating you will be treated to light refreshments and asked to sit and rest for a minimum of 15 minutes.  After that you will be free to resume your regular routine.

 

HOW OFTEN CAN I DONATE BLOOD?

 

Generally each qualified individual may donate blood only once every 56 days.  It may be possible to donate more often if your donation is directed to a patient at City of Hope but donations done less then 56 days apart must be collected at our donor center on the campus of City of Hope so that the donor may be evaluated by on Transfusion Medicine Physicians.

 

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A DISEASE WHILE DONATING BLOOD?

 

No it is not.  Because all of our supplies used during the donation are sterile, one time only use products it is virtually impossible to transmit disease during donation.

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BLOOD AFTER I DONATE?

 

The blood goes to the City of Hope Blood Bank for typing and testing.  Your blood is processed, labeled and stored there until it is transfused.  In fact within days your donation could go directly to a patient and depending on patients needs it could be separated in several different components for use with multiple patients.

Qualifications for Blood Donors

 

·         You are required to bring a picture ID and State issued Driver’s License, passport or Social Security card

·         You must be at least 17 years of age.

·         You must weigh at least 110 pounds.

          Don’t forget your Parent Consent Form if required by school.

 

Do not Donate Blood if

·         You have had a cold or flu symptoms two days prior to donation or do not feel well on the day of the donation.

·         You have had a tattoo, ear or skin piercing in the past 12 months.

·         You have taken any antibiotics in the last 48 hours.

·         You have had major dental work in the last 24 hours (crown, root canal, or gum surgery)

·         You have had hepatitis after the age of 11 years.

 

Marrow Donors

 

·         You must be between the ages of 18 and 60.

·         Once you join the National Marrow Donor Program, you do not ever have to join again.

·         If you have active asthma that requires you to use an inhaler or take medication or you have any lower back problems, please notify a NMDP representative.

Blood Drive at Poinsettia, June 28, 2009

Sunday, June 28, 2009

 

9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

 

Poinsettia Elementary School Cafeteria

350 North Victoria Ave, Ventura, CA

 

Please R.S.V.P to bloodforjeanette@gmail.com

Stacy Eckstrom 805-216-9904