{"id":2858,"date":"2017-05-25T09:56:54","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T08:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/?p=2858"},"modified":"2021-04-21T13:37:36","modified_gmt":"2021-04-21T12:37:36","slug":"blood-donations-how-can-you-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myhealthspecialist.com\/blog\/2017\/05\/25\/blood-donations-how-can-you-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Blood donations \u2013 how can you help?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Blood<\/p>\n

In light of recent tragic events in Manchester, people are uniting and showing solidarity in different ways. One practical and positive way to help others in need is donating blood. Below is a brief guide on the blood donation process and how you can help.<\/p>\n

The need for donations<\/strong><\/p>\n

We all know the importance of donating blood; it is a vital part of saving lives both in an emergency setting and for those with chronic conditions. The NHS Blood and Transplant Service estimate that they need 200,000 new donors each year, and are keen to receive donations from younger people aged 17-45 years, although anyone aged 17-65 can donate.<\/p>\n

Certain ethnic populations such as Black and Asian have a higher prevalence of conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia and may require blood transfusions regularly.\u00a0It helps if they receive blood from donors who are a close match in terms of ethnicity.<\/p>\n

Registering as a donor<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are certain health eligibility criteria that you are required to meet before donating – these can be checked at your local blood transfusion service, but essentially most people who are fit and healthy can give blood. \u00a0Once this initial part is done, and you have checked that you are eligible, you can then register to be a donor and select a suitable venue – this can all be done online.<\/p>\n

Being prepared<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is important to be prepared on the day, so here are some simple tips to ensure the process goes smoothly:<\/p>\n