GREENSBORO, N.C. — Be someone's superhero and donate blood! The WFMY News 2 annual Summer Blood Drive is happening Wednesday, July 24. Wes Hayes with the American Red Cross joined 2 Wants To Know to answer your questions ahead of the event, including what blood types are especially valuable.
- When: Wednesday, July 24, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Piedmont Hall at Greensboro Coliseum, 2409 W. Gate City Blvd, Greensboro
- Make an appointment online. Use sponsor code WFMY
How long will the appointment take?
"In general, it's gonna stick to about an hour...that's from walking in the door to being able to walk out. You're gonna check in, you're gonna answer some questions. Do a little mini health history just to make sure you're in a good spot to donate. And then of course, you'll donate and we'll ask you to stick out with us for just a little bit longer just to make sure you're feeling good and then you can go out," Hayes explained.
Hayes said the actual process of donating blood takes about 7-10 minutes on average.
Should I eat or drink before donating blood?
Hayes said drink lots of water, especially if you're planning to come in the morning.
"Go light on the caffeine. You don't want to have too much of that in you and have a good meal in your stomach before you come. Don't skip breakfast and then come right away. Make sure you eat something," he said.
Hayes added that if you know your iron runs lower, try eating a high-iron diet a few days before the blood drive.
How far does a pint of blood go?
"Typically speaking, that whole blood donation is going to go to our center and it's going to be split up into three different components - red blood cells, plasma and platelets. And those platelets, by the way, only have a shelf life of about five days. So they're probably going to go into a recipient within five days," Hayes said.
Who is eligible to donate blood?
Hayes said you have to be 18 to donate. But even if you're younger, you can still fill out a waiver form and bring a parent to see if you can donate.
What kind of blood is most needed?
"I will say all blood is always necessary. A-Positive, for example, is that's what I am. My platelets are so valuable. And so when I donate, yes, I get the red blood cells...but the platelets are super valuable," Hayes said.
"However, I will always point out O-negative, O-positive, and B-negative. Those are probably the top three that we're always looking for. So if you know you're one of those three types, know that your blood is going to be super important," Hayes added.
Do I have to wait to donate if I've traveled recently?
Hayes said if you've recently traveled outside the country, there could be a pause for donating. But call 1-800-RED-CROSS to see how long that could be.
Can someone donate if they've just finished up cancer treatments?
"So, the answer is maybe - we're always gonna say, though, if you have any specific medical questions to call 1-800-Red Cross, let them know. Because again, it could be what medication specifically you're taking, how long you've been off, how long you've been cancer-free. All of those play a factor into how long you have to wait until you donate," he said.
Can someone with an autoimmune disease donate blood?
"We're typically gonna caution against it, but again, you can call 1-800-Red Cross just to verify that your situation would defer or not," Hayes said.