ArchiveAnon 
Senior Moderator
Everything Stays
Just figured I’d make a post in an effort to encourage some folks to get out and donate blood or plasma. Covid has taken its toll on donation centers and the blood supply throughout the US, and likely in many other countries as well. Many people who previously donated have stopped going out of fear of covid and the like.
I personally have been donating blood as often as I’m allowed since I turned 16. To date I’ve donated just about 8 gallons of blood, and I can imagine that a lot of that has gone on to help many people over the years. To anyone who is willing and able, I really do encourage you to help out and make an appointment at any local blood donor center. The place I go to has strict appointment times, is kept very clean, and I’ve been going every 2 months as is usual even during the pandemic without issue.
Even to those of you who have had covid, you can still safely donate. Actually, those who have had covid especially should donate, specifically as a plasma donation. Many centers are in dire need of what is called “convalescent plasma” which essentially means plasma from a person who has had covid, and therefore has covid antibodies which can be used to help treat critically ill patients. I recently had covid and am now going to be doing these plasma donations as well.
It really isn’t painful. Seriously, you’ll be fine. It’s like a damn pinch. The only people I would advise against donations is those with crippling fears of needles because they really can’t take a donation from someone who passes out at the sight of one.
The donation process is quite quick for whole blood donation. Maybe 40 minutes or so on average for me, from entering the building to leaving. Plasma donations take about twice this time or a big longer. Bring a phone or tablet with a couple episodes of a show or a movie or something.
A very small percentage of people who can, actually do donate blood. Even fewer donate as often as they could, most only donating once or a few times over their entire lives. If you have an hour or two of free time once every couple months (and lets be real, you do) you can really help out. Check the website for a local blood center for eligibility and such, and make an appointment if you can.
I personally have been donating blood as often as I’m allowed since I turned 16. To date I’ve donated just about 8 gallons of blood, and I can imagine that a lot of that has gone on to help many people over the years. To anyone who is willing and able, I really do encourage you to help out and make an appointment at any local blood donor center. The place I go to has strict appointment times, is kept very clean, and I’ve been going every 2 months as is usual even during the pandemic without issue.
Even to those of you who have had covid, you can still safely donate. Actually, those who have had covid especially should donate, specifically as a plasma donation. Many centers are in dire need of what is called “convalescent plasma” which essentially means plasma from a person who has had covid, and therefore has covid antibodies which can be used to help treat critically ill patients. I recently had covid and am now going to be doing these plasma donations as well.
It really isn’t painful. Seriously, you’ll be fine. It’s like a damn pinch. The only people I would advise against donations is those with crippling fears of needles because they really can’t take a donation from someone who passes out at the sight of one.
The donation process is quite quick for whole blood donation. Maybe 40 minutes or so on average for me, from entering the building to leaving. Plasma donations take about twice this time or a big longer. Bring a phone or tablet with a couple episodes of a show or a movie or something.
A very small percentage of people who can, actually do donate blood. Even fewer donate as often as they could, most only donating once or a few times over their entire lives. If you have an hour or two of free time once every couple months (and lets be real, you do) you can really help out. Check the website for a local blood center for eligibility and such, and make an appointment if you can.
