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Blood Donations

A few years ago, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson issued a challenge to Americans for the holiday season – Give Thanks! Give Life! Give Twice! At the time of the initial challenge, I had no idea the state of our blood supply. We often function on a 3-day supply of blood. This is terribly low and terribly dangerous. Secretary Thompson said Americans need a “gentle reminder” that blood donation is necessary, is easy and is a gift worth giving. Currently, 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, but only 5 percent are regular donors.

People with diabetes, if they meet the other necessary requirements of being 17 years old, weighing over 110 pounds and in general good health, are eligible to give. The only additional requirement is for those who use insulin. If the person with diabetes uses an animal based insulin or has used animal insulin that originated from Great Britain in the last 10 years, they are restricted from giving. This means most people with diabetes are eligible to give this most precious gift.

My challenge to you is to celebrate the life you have been given this Thanksgiving. Celebrate medicine and technology and your survival because of them. Celebrate your diabetes and the blessings your challenge has brought to your life by giving of yourself to others.

Over 4.5 million patients are transfused each year.
Every day over 32,000 pints of blood are used in the US .
The average blood transfusion is about 3.4 pints – that is four donors worth.
The entire blood donation process takes about 45 minutes.
You cannot catch HIV/AIDS or other diseases by giving blood.
People with diabetes – using non-animal based insulin can give!
Donated whole blood only lasts for 42 days.
1 out of every 10 people entering the hospital needs blood.

Giving blood isn’t hard…the process goes like this –

Step 1: Read the consent forms. This is where you are questioned about medical history, medications and any conditions that may prohibit your ability to give.

Step 2: Medical consultation. A medical professional or volunteer will review your answers on the consent forms and answer any questions you may have. You are given an opportunity to privately refuse to give at this time should you feel your blood is not safe.

Step 3: Donation of blood – really it is not that bad. After cleansing the area on the inside of your elbow, a professional will slightly prick your arm and stay with you for approximately 10 minutes while you drip 1 pint of blood.

Step 4: Refreshments and Recovery. You will move into a sitting area to replenish your fluids and get your bearings straight. A word of caution, request a diet soda or water while in recovery. Remember, giving blood does not mean you lost a significant amount of sugar or insulin. You should not experience a low blood sugar as a result of giving blood. Of course, I would recommend testing your glucose before you donate. If your blood sugar is not stable, you may want to reconsider giving at that time.

Visit www.redcross.org/donate for more information.

Life for a Child with Diabetes

Recently, I learned of a program sponsored by the International Diabetes Federation and run by HOPE worldwide called “Life for a Child”. This program is in its infancy, but is already providing life saving treatment to over 400 children with diabetes in developing countries. However, tens of thousands are still in desperate need.

Children are currently being serviced in 8 countries: India, the Philippines, Bolivia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Montenegro, Romania, and Azerbaijan. With more support, the IDF could help so many others. For example, did you know that in some parts of Africa, if a child is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the life expectancy is 1 year!

The goals of the program are to provide:

Medications and glucose testing supplies
Clinical care
Diabetes education
Technical support for health professionals
Laboratory services

Your help and generosity are desperately needed. This year, I have decided to give diabetes care as my special gift. (Part of my celebration of living 11 years with this condition.) It is humbling and heartbreaking to hear and know of the struggles of the youngest with diabetes. I am so blessed to use advanced technology to care for my condition, it is the least I can do to sponsor care for a child in need. One dollar a day = life for a child for one year.

To find out more, contact Marcia Scaggs at HOPE worldwide. Marcia_Scaggs@hopeww.org or visit www.lifeforachild.org.

I hope you are motivated to give thanks in a unique and special way this year. We are all truly blessed. Think about what you can do for others in need – really in return you will receive so much. I firmly believe that part of “healing” is giving and looking outside of ourselves to the knowledge of a greater concept of caring.

Happy Thanksgiving –