Did you know you can help save up to three lives during your lunch break? It’s easy. All you have to do is donate blood.
Donating takes about 45 minutes total, with the donation itself taking about 8-10 minutes. The rest of that time is spent checking in, getting a short health evaluation, and recovering with a snack in a comfy chair.
A National Need for Blood Donors
Blood banks around the nation are in constant need of donors. Although 37% of the U.S. population are eligible to donate blood, only 3% step up to make a difference.
If you’re on the fence about donating blood, keep reading to learn how donation benefits the donor as well as the recipient. You can also watch this short video featuring Debra Serna, our senior lab manager for blood donor services on why you should donate.
Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Reveals Hidden Health Conditions
One of the major benefits of donating blood is that you get a free mini health screening every time you do it.
A trained medical provider checks your:
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Temperature
- Hemoglobin levels
This can help reveal any health conditions you may have but not be aware of, like high blood pressure or irregular heartbeat. Your results also include your blood type, which will be important to know if you need surgery or a transfusion in the future.
Additionally, your blood is tested for various diseases to ensure the health of both you and the recipient. These include:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
- West Nile virus
May Lower Your Risk for Heart Conditions
Donating blood has surprising cardiovascular benefits, like lowering your blood pressure. In the short term, donating blood can reduce blood pressure simply because there is temporarily less blood in your body. But one study suggests that regular blood donation can result in long-term reduced hypertension (high blood pressure).
Another study suggests that regular blood donation can reduce the risk for heart attack in middle-aged men.
Strengthens Community Ties
Every two seconds, someone needs blood, including car crash victims, a child battling cancer or a new mother. When you donate blood, you feel a stronger connection with your community. It gives you a sense of purpose and belonging, plus the affirmation that you’re doing a good deed for someone who needs it.
Studies show that people with strong ties to their community live longer than those who feel isolated. So your good deed helps someone in need and helps you live longer, too. It’s a win-win.
Be Rewarded for Your Generosity
CareLink Blood Donor Program
If you are a member of CareLink, University Health’s financial assistance program, you can get credit towards your account. For every pint of blood you donate, we will credit $50 to your account. A friend or family member can also donate blood in your name to earn $50 credit to your account.
Whole blood donations can be made every eight weeks and platelet donations every two weeks by you, friends or relatives.
T-Shirts and Gift Cards
When you donate blood at University Health, you’re eligible to receive a free T-shirt or gift card as a thank you for your donation.
- 1st Donation - T-Shirt
- 2nd Donation - $20 Gift Card
- 3rd Donation - $30 Gift Card
- 4th Donation - $40 Gift Card
- 5th Donation - $50 Gift Card
- 6th Donation - $60 Gift Card + Grand prize entry ($500 value)
- 7th-24th Donation (Platelet Donors) - $20 Gift Card
Donate Blood at University Health
You can make a difference! Schedule an appointment to donate or find more ways to give on our website.
