Nancy Ceja
Staff Writer
January is Blood Donor Month, meaning most hospitals, colleges, and charities will be hosting blood donation events for communities across the country. We always hear advertisement on the radio, and see people telling us to give blood on TV, but only a small percentage of us actually end up donating blood. It’s even scarier to think that nearly five million people are in need of blood transfusions every day, and that’s only in America. Not to mention that about 50 million people have trypanophobia, which is the fear of medical procedures involving needles (such as drawing blood).
Personally, I know a few people who will dart the other way when they hear the word “shot,” including myself. Just the thought of having a needle in my skin causes my limbs to feel weak and makes my stomach churn. I’m usually okay with blood itself, but needles are a certain no-go for me.
However, on January 17, Idaho State University hosted a blood drive right here on campus in the Eli M. Oboler Library. It lasted all day so busy students can fit it in their schedules. Some people may think blood donations take up a lot of time, but on average from the moment you sign in and leave, it takes between thirty to forty minutes.
Megan Koyle, a frequent blood donor, says, “I enjoy donating, it helps people, helps with crisis situations, it’s a form of service and I just enjoy it…[the pain] depends on your focus, it’s not comfortable, but you have to think of the whole situation.”
Did you know giving blood is actually beneficial to the donor as well? It has been proven that donating blood can reduce cancer risks, lessen the risk of liver and pancreas damage, and it even helps with heart issues and is linked to reducing obesity. Not only are you getting the benefits, but the people who really need it are getting the required medical procedures they require to survive. It’s truly a win-win situation if you ask me. Usually those who suffer from cancer, bleeding disorders, sickle-cell anemia, and other blood problems are those required to get some sort of blood transfusion at some point, and that doesn’t include the thousands of people who get in car wrecks every day who need our blood for a chance at survival.
“Hopefully new blood donors will have a sense of helping others in need, it also helps in research [too],” says first-time blood donor, Eric.
Roughly every three seconds someone is in need of blood, which means at least ten people will be getting their treatment from our ISU donations while you’re reading this. To put things into more of a perspective, sixty percent of the population are eligible to donate, but less than five percent actually do it.
Of course, there are some recommendations on when not to give blood. It’s always better if you ask a professional if you’re qualified to give away blood before walking into a clinic ready to give blood.
However, if you’re eligible and have a little extra time, it could help save someone’s life.
