Each and every one of us has driven past a "Blood Drive" sign in our local community; yet, only a small number of us actually give blood on a regular basis. The reasons why we might not want to donate are our own. We worry it might hurt, cause discomfort, or that it will take up too much time. While these fears are valid, they are not necessarily true.
Blood is constantly in high demand everywhere in the United States. A single trauma victim may need up to 40 (or more!) units of blood. Blood is needed for patients of all ages, for all kinds of injuries and ailments. Human blood cannot be substituted, and the need for it may arise at any time. These reasons (and others) are why it is so important for there to be a constant supply of blood.
"Within a community as tight-knit and small as ours, this need can become even more vital. A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and in a place like Hunterdon County, this is no small feat," stated Cathy Conroy, Blood Donor Recruiter at Hunterdon Medical Center.
Robert Coates, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Hunterdon Medical Center, has been a donor since 1980, donating over 15 gallons of red blood cells. In 2006, Dr. Coates began donating double red cells via the apheresis instrument. During this type of donation, the 2 red cells are collected and the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. This process takes about 40 minutes. A donation of one platelet and one red cell can also be done within one to one and a half hours. This procedure is beneficial for cancer patients due to the two products, platelet and red cell, coming from the same donor, increasing the likelihood to provide a better outcome for the patient.
"Dr. Coates is a very loyal and dedicated blood donor for HMC," stated Ms. Conroy. "He's always willing to donate whenever he is eligible. You never know when you may need blood, or when someone you love may need it. Donating regularly, like Dr. Coates, can help us to ensure that we are never short on blood."
For those of us who are nervous about the prospect of donating blood for some of the reasons previously mentioned, Ms. Conroy assures that "donating is virtually painless." She went on to say, "Donating blood is relatively quick, and absolutely safe. The rewards are endless. Not only do you get free cookies and juice, but most of all you get the satisfaction of knowing you've helped others."
To be eligible to donate blood a person must be at least 17 years of age, be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds. "We are always in need of donors to keep up with our supply. I also encourage businesses to have a blood drive at the hospital where their employees can donate as a group," stated Cathy Conroy.
Call 908-788-6405 today to schedule your appointment to donate blood or learn more by visiting hunterdonhealthcare.org.