The Lake Orion Nursing Center will hold its first blood drive on Aug. 8, and human resources manager Tiffany Wilson hopes enough people will show up to help stem a national blood shortage.
“(The American Red Cross) is on a national blood emergency,” she said. “I would like this to be a success…Our goal is to get 20 units of blood, which is approximately 30-34 people.”
According to Wilson, one pint of blood can save up to three lives, and that just because you have a certain blood type doesn’t mean you can’t help people of other types. Donated blood is used in three ways: For Red Blood Cells, Platelets, and Fresh Frozen Plasma. Plasma can be stored up to one year, and Red Blood Cells for 42 days, but Platelets are only good for five days after they are donated.
“It doesn’t last forever,” Wilson said. “That’s why it’s extremely important. An average healthy person can give blood every 56 days.”
Wilson said you won’t pass out if you give blood or contract any diseases.
“They also spin blood, and that tells if you are Iron deficient…Theyll let you know. It’s kind of like a mini physical,” she added.
Donating blood takes about an hour, and appointments are appreciated although walk-ins will be accepted. The blood drive will take place at the nursing center from 12-6 p.m. Donators can expect to resume their normal activities soon after donating.
Wilson said she had done other blood drives before, but never at the Lake Orion Nursing Center. She was inspired when she saw a little boy’s story on television.
“Basically what caught me was I saw a little boy on TV that needed blood and he just captured my heart,” she said. “I asked the Red Cross to come in and educate the nurses…(Donating blood) is not a scary thing.”
Wilson said people should eat a well-balanced meal the day they donate, and the American Red Cross recommends eating foods high in Iron, and Vitamins B and C before donating. Leafy green vegetables and red meats are good choices. Blood can only be donated if it is within the normal range for Hemoglobin and Hematocrit.
Wilson said only five percent of eligible adults donate blood, while over 70 percent of the population will require blood during their lifetime.
“Twenty percent of the blood supply comes from other areas,” she added. “To donate, people must be at least 17 years of age and weight at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit for donating.
“If the public is more educated on donating, maybe more people will do it. People wait until they’re in a crisis before they think about it.”
According to The American Red Cross, donating blood can save up to three people’s lives, and that someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
“We’re currently down to three pints of blood on certain types,” Wilson said.
To make an appointment to donate blood at the Lake Orion Nursing Center on Aug. 8, call 693-0505. The center is located at 585 E. Flint Street, near the corner of Flint and Orion Road. For more information on donating in general, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.