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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 The blood supply usually drops around the holidays due to a "perfect storm" of obstacles, Garfinkel said.
First, there's the holidays. "People aren't on their regular schedules, especially people who are regular donors," Garfinkel said. "They are concentrating on other things. You also have school blood drives, whether it's high schools or college classes, that aren't taking place during holiday vacations."
On top of that, the cold and flu season is under way, making many otherwise eligible blood donors too sick to contribute.
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And then there's the weather. "If it's snowing outside, people aren't going to leave their houses on icy streets to go donate," Garfinkel said.
To make matters worse, only an estimated 37.8 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, according to the AABB. Some are disqualified due to their medical history, others because they are underweight or ill.
But, if you've been turned away from a blood drive before, don't assume you're still ineligible to donate blood, Allen said.
"People need to know they should always ask if they are eligible, because the criteria is always changing," Allen said. "Maybe I couldn't donate today because my iron levels weren't what they should be, but that changes over time. I think many people are surprised to find that they are eligible to be donors.
"Don't make the assumption that you aren't eligible for any specific reason. Really look into it," she added.
The American Red Cross offers these tips for folks ready to donate
blood:
- Eat a good breakfast or lunch featuring iron-rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, raisins, prunes or iron-fortified cereal. Avoid fatty foods because fatty material in your blood can interfere with infection testing performed on donated blood. If that occurs, officials may have to discard your blood donation.
- Drink extra water and fluids to replace the liquid you will donate, but avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Wear clothes with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow.
- Rest after donating, and enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area.
- For a day or so after a donation, rehydrate yourself by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, lie down with your feet elevated until the feeling passes.
More information
For more on donating blood, visit AABB.
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