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What Percent of the Eligible Population Donates Blood?

Only 3%. That is unfortunate because it is one of the few ways an ordinary person can actually save lives. And there is always a greater need than the supply.

But please don't hate on people simply because they don't donate. Many can't because of things beyond their control. Like being below a minimum weight, having an iron deficiency, certain health conditions, exposure to certain illnesses (which can simply result from travel).

But if you can, I encourage you to do so.

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PowerofStories · 61-69, M

Lots of legitimate reasons for not donating, including those mentioned in the replies. And I have much respect for those of you who want to donate but can't or tried to donate and got sick, so can't.

I've been donating for decades and have been turned away twice. Both times turned out to be blessings in disguise.

The first time it was because my hemoglobin (tied to iron in the blood) was too low. Turned out I had an iron deficiency that was causing other problems and put me on notice that I had to address it.

The second time was because my blood pressure was too high. Found out I had high blood pressure which could shorten my life if I didn't address it with medication. It's at a safe level now.

midnightrose · F

Wow I expected it to be higher than that. I wasn't able to donate the last time I went. I've been wanting to go back to see if I'm eligible now.

AthrillatheHunt · 51-55, M

I lived in Switzerland in the 1980’s and bc of mad cow disease my name is on a no donate list with ARC. (True story ).
I would love to donate. I believe blood letting helps you live longer . (Ancient doctors were on to something. Women bleed monthly and outlive men ).

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PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@AthrillatheHunt One of the eligibility screening questions for many years was exactly what you said -- exposure to mad cow disease. I think you and @midnightrose might be on to something about the health benefits of donating

NativePortlander1970 ·

@AthrillatheHunt Cancer's like a scourge with my Dad's entire family, I'm no longer eligible.

Crazywaterspring · 61-69, M

@AthrillatheHunt I lived in Italy during the 80s. Donating blood is a no-go for me.

exexec · 61-69, C

Great point. Our area blood bank makes it easier by sending the mobile donation bus to places like our church several times a year. Show up for church and drop off a unit of blood.

smiler2012 · 61-69

@PowerofStories 🤔i did use too give blood but because of my medication i no longer can it is a pity as i would still be a blood donor otherwise still today

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@smiler2012 That is a shame, but much respect for you for your past donations and present intentions.

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

I'm not eligible.

My brother knows a guy who started having serious health problems after donating blood. Maybe it was a coincidence but likely not and for some strange reason it triggered some horrible chronic disease in him. Doctors predicted he might not even reach his 30s. I know it shouldn't deter other people but if I was eligible, after knowing this I would think twice.

ineedadrink · 51-55, M

@CrazyMusicLover Did those same doctors say donating blood was the cause?

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

@ineedadrink I don't know but if I remember well, at first his arm got unusually swollen at the side of the puncture and it spread further from that place, so there wasn't much to doubt about. Then he developed uncontrolled blood clotting he has to manage with meds and despite that he still has to have blood clots dissolved from time to time. From what I understood, he's at the constant risk of dying from thrombosis. Allegedly, he had no problems prior to that incident.

updown2020 · 61-69, M

Well I donate blood and have been doing it for 38 years . Well actually I donate plasma and platelets.

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@updown2020 That is wonderful!!

OrionInTheNight

Hey wake up. Those companies collecting blood are selling that blood for profit. If those people really cared then they actually already have all the blood the hospitals need, they just wont give it except for the right price.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@OrionInTheNight That may be the case in some countries. But the Blood service here is a not for profit and distributes to hospitals special treatment clinics and research labs. I actually get a text telling me where my donation went.. And no one pays..😷

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@OrionInTheNight Untrue.There is no over-supply of blood.

And, as far as the Red Cross at least -- which happens to be a non-profit organization, the majority of its operating expenses, just over $2 billion, is also spent on collecting blood, according to its financial statements. That’s about $139 million more than the revenue it collects (about $1.8 billion) for collecting, testing, preserving and delivering the blood. It makes up the difference through charitable contributions.

wildbill83 · 41-45, M

I stopped when I found out that the red cross sells it to other countries...

when it doesn't go where they say it is going (plenty of people in this country that need it), and they're profiteering from it instead of maintaining a supply, then my blood is too good for them... 🤷🏻

ineedadrink · 51-55, M

@wildbill83 My area keeps donations local, is not the red cross.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

This percentage does. Every three months. I even got a medical clearance to keep going over 70.. 😷

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whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@PowerofStories Thanks. Its something I can do to make a difference, and having a rare group makes me feel its needed..😷

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@whowasthatmaskedman I agree. I have a blood type that makes me a universal donor, so I feel its important to contribute.

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

@PowerofStories 👍Same here.O neg😷

TheOneyouwerewarnedabout · 46-50, MVIP

im holding out until mah unvaxxed gold is in high demand... $$$

reparations for wanting to throw my ass in a camp, remove my kids and shut me out of society...

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@TheOneyouwerewarnedabout Can always count on you for an edgy reply. If your blood becomes pure gold, let me know, I may want to invest.

Ynotisay · M

Good post. I give a couple of times a year but should probably up it.

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Matt85 · 36-40, M

@Ynotisay you can only donate every 3 months so 3 or 4 times a year

Ynotisay · M

@Matt85 Yeah. There's limits. I thought whole blood was like six times a year but you can donate platlets a lot more than that.

3Dogmatic · 46-50, M

@Ynotisay that depends. If you are on TRT, you should do it every month due to elevated hematocrit levels.

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Spoiledbrat · F

I tried to donate blood once and I nearly passed out. I never did it again.

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@Spoiledbrat Very understandable.

anoderod55 · 61-69, M

@Spoiledbrat Sorry to hear that . my first few experiences were like that . till they told me i needed to eat before donating . my worst was while donating whole blood . A pos , so now donate platelets and plasma .

Take care 🌻🌹

BarbossasSpouse · 36-40, F

I wish I could,but I'm not eligible bc of medications sadly.

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@BarbossasSpouse Many are in the same boat.

Confined · 56-60, M

They dont want vaxinated blood, since its contaminated.

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@Confined Not true. I am vaccinated and have donated multiple times since my first Covid shot. It is not an impediment.

SomeMichGuy · M

Seriously, good post. Thank you for a very good PSA

anoderod55 · 61-69, M

I donate platelets and plasma quite regularly 🇺🇸 🌻

HootyTheNightOwl

B12 deficient... I can't...

PowerofStories · 61-69, M

@HootyTheNightOwl Totally get it. Many are in the same boat.

HannahSky · F

They need to do more advertising and blood drives to get awareness out there. I don't think most people think about it too much except when there's an urgent need.