The Kiwanis Club learned Wednesday there are misconceptions when it comes to donating blood.
John Sarah of United Blood Service was the guest speaker at the meeting. He discussed various mistaken beliefs people have when giving blood.
Sarah said many women say they are turned away because of being anemic. Being anemic is not just a low iron count, it is more severe. Iron count fluctuates every day.
“Just because you are denied because of a low iron count doesn’t mean you are necessarily anemic and doesn’t mean you can never give blood. A month later you might be fine,” he said.
Another misconception is you have to wait for a year after getting a tattoo. Sarah advised that tattoo artists are regulated through the state, which means there is no longer a waiting period. Sarah said some foreign countries’ status has changed allowing a person who has traveled a shorter period of time to wait before donating.
The blood type O negative is most versatile. It is what is given to trauma victims until the victim’s blood type is determined and also to infant until the age of 4 months, which is when a blood type can be determined. Right now, Sarah said, they have enough to last two maybe three days.
Donating blood is not just about the blood that is needed.
“Cancer patients need the platelets, and burn victims need plasma,” Sarah said.
Sarah reminded everyone you can donate blood every 56 days unless you do what is called a double red then you have to wait 102 days. Double red donations allows two units of red blood cells to be donated thereby keeping the platelets and plasma.
The Kiwanis Club will host a blood drive on Monday, July 29 from noon until 4 p.m. in front of Walmart. Everyone who donates will receive a $25 gift card from Amazon.
Pictured Above: John Sarah with United Blood Services addresses the Kiwanis about the importance of donating blood. | Photo by Susan Amundson
