All across the United States, hospitals and health organizations have reported blood shortages since January. With four hospitals and the only Level 1 trauma center between Los Angeles and Sacramento – a 15,000 square-mile services area – the need in the Central Valley is just as great.
 
Recently, we hosted a blood drive to help make an impact in the shortage at our facilities. Every single drop from the blood drive will stay at our local Central California Blood Center to help our patients. Thank you to the 55 donors who participated!

If you're looking for a way to give back - blood donations are always needed. Did you know that a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 pints of blood?

Eligibility Requirements for Blood Donors

Not sure if you can be a donor? Here are just a few of the requirements:

• 18 years or older, or 16 and 17 year olds with written parental consent
• Eight weeks since your last donation
• Blood pressure must be lower than 180/100 mmHg
• Body temperature lower than 99.5 degrees
• No tattoos or body piercings in the past year
• Be fully recovered from any surgical procedures, heart attacks or strokes 

What to Expect on Blood Drive Day

If you’ve never given blood before, here is what you can expect on donation day. Remember: Make sure to have a light meal and plenty to drink before coming to the blood drive!
 
Registration: Sign in with the blood drive staff and volunteers. This is where they’ll review basic eligibility requirements and donation information. Make sure to bring your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification.

Mini-Physical: During a confidential interview, your health history, travel history, and other medical factors will be assessed. A medical professional will check your temperature, blood pressure and take a small blood sample to test your hemoglobin level.

Donation Process: Get comfortable, the actual donation process takes anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes. All you need to do is sit back and relax.

Snack Time: Grab a snack and a drink from the refreshment area. Usually, donors need to stay in the area for 10-15 minutes before returning to daily activities.

Again, we want to thank our past blood donors for helping us save lives. We hope to see you at our next blood drive! 

By Edilia Bourbon-Cervantes,  MBA
Community Medical Centers' Blood Management Coordinator