Packet info sheet.pub

Blood Recipient Stories
Suzi's story:
"I was the recipient of a blood transfusion two years ago. Our baby girl was delivered two months early by paramedics in the back of an ambulance as we were on our way to the hospital. Once we got to the hospital, I had some compli-cations and was taken into surgery the next day. Before my surgery I was given a blood transfusion. I was released from the hospital two days later and our daughter Lainey, was released 22 days later. We were very thankful for eve-rything and everyone involved in our care." Debbie’s story:
"My husband Lonnie is a regular blood donor at NCMC and because he knows the importance of life giving blood our son Casey has started to give also. Casey used to come with his dad to give blood and the techs would give him juice and cookies and told him someday he would have to give back to the cause. In 2000 our great niece was born here at NCMC with a neuroblastoma cancer tumor. She was transferred to Children's Hospital in Denver to begin treatment at three days old. Her first round of chemo dropped her count to a dangerous level and she needed blood and packed cells badly. My hus-band, son and a few other family members decided to donate to JayLynne. After the blood transfusion Jaylynne did seven chemother-apy treatments and surgery. She is a happy four and a half year old beautiful little girl. Blood is truly the gift of life." Gwen's Story:
"My Grandfather, Melvin, has had to this date 48 separate blood transfusions at North Colorado Medical Center. He has become a familiar face with the blood transfusion staff. I wanted to share this as we have always received wonderful care. We joke all the time about him probably having the re- Stephanie's
cord at NCMC for the most blood transfusions story:
given to one person. He has had so many transfu-sions that we now refer to the need for a transfu- sion as a fill up of his tank. We can always tell when he is getting low on blood and we will tell bor. To make a long him it is time for him to get a fill up." story short, I under- I had the privilege of talking with Mrs. Stone, to went an emergency learn more about their amazing story. Mr. & Mrs. Stone are long-time Colorado residents who fresh frozen plasma. dren and grandchil-Without the kind the Greeley area that later received his first take the time to do- blood transfusion. Numerous tests were done and Melvin was found to have weak vessels in his diges- tive system. At times, the bleeding was so profuse he required blood transfusions every week. Melvin now goes anywhere from one month to six months between transfusions, and knows it's time to come back in when he feels weak and pale. His wife Helen states, "He absolutely wouldn't be here with-out the blood transfusions. We are really thankful!" Did you know…?
6 95% of Americans will need a blood transfusion by age 72.
6 A single blood donation may save up to 3 lives.
6 There is NO risk of contracting a disease from donating
blood.a new, sterile needle and bag are used for every donor. 6 Blood donations are needed from all blood types for trauma, surgery, and cancer patients in our community. Donor Check-in and Evaluation:
6 As a potential donor you will fill out our check-in paperwork which
includes your name, address, social security number, and a confi-dential medical history questionnaire. 6 In accordance with current regulations you will be asked to show 6 To ensure that blood donation is safe for you and the future blood transfusion recipient(s), you will be taken to a private interview room to answer confidential questions about your health andlifestyle. A tiny drop of blood will be taken from your fingertip to make sure you have enough blood to spare. We will also check your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. The Donation:
6 You will enter the collection area to recline in a relaxing chair.
6 Your arm will be cleansed.
6 You may feel a quick pinch, but only when the needle is first
inserted. Our professional staff makes this process almost painless! 6 The actual donation process only takes seven to ten minutes. After the Donation:
6 Relax and enjoy the refreshments provided. It is important to be-
gin replacing the fluids your body has lost through donation. 6 Your body will replace the lost fluid in 24 hours and the red cells in General Criteria:
6 Good general health
6 18 years-old or 17 years-old with parental consent
6 Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Conditions for Temporary Ineligibility:
6 Cold, sore throat, or flu symptoms within last 3 days
6 Diarrhea in the last 14 days
6 Some medications. Please refer to mobile deferral list.
6 Antibiotic therapy (except acne) within last 3 days, or
symptoms of infection within last 14 days. 6 Oral Surgery in last 3 days 6 Recent immunizations (varies with type of vaccine) 6 Major illness or surgery (and not yet released from doctor’s 6 Cancer history (except basal cell skin or cervical insitu) 6 Heart Disease (donation may be possible, evaluated on 6 Pregnancy within last 6 weeks 6 Tattoo or body piercing within last 12 months 6 Travel within the last 12 months to an area outside of the United States with high risk for malaria. 6 Jail or prison time for more than 72 hours within the last 12 Permanent Ineligibility:
6 Hepatitis of any type after age 11
6 HIV/AIDS High Risk Category (symptoms or positive test for
HIV, intravenous drug use, taken money or drugs for sex) 6 Visited or lived, for a total of 3 months, in the United King- BLOOD DONOR SERVICES
NCMC Blood Donor Services adheres to strict regulations and guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the Medical Director of North Colorado Medical Center. These guidelines for acceptance or deferral of the donor are set up not only for the protection of the patient receiving the blood, but also for the health and comfort of the donor. Giving blood is a wonderful act of sharing one’s life and we strive to make the experience as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. The following are commonly asked questions and interpretations of deferrals that appear on the BLOOD DONOR CARD ARE YOU FEELING WELL AND HEALTHY TODAY?
Donor must be in general good health at the time of donation. Donors must be symptom free of cold and flu
symptoms for at least 3 days. Mild allergy symptoms at time of donations are acceptable. Asthma under
control is acceptable. Unexplained diarrhea is a 14-day deferral.
TAKEN ANY MEDICATIONS OR PILLS?
Due to recent changes only the follow medications are of concern:
x Accutane (Amnesteem, Calravis, Sotret. Isotretinoin) x Growth Hormone from Human Pituitary Glands x Insulin from Cows (Bovine, Beef, or Insulin) HAD AN UNUSUAL EPISODE OF DIARRHEA?
If diarrhea of unexplained cause, deferral is 14 days.
HAD A TATTOO APPLIED, EAR OR SKIN PIERCING OR ACCUPUNCTURE, ACCIDENTAL
NEEDLE STICK OR COME IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE ELSE’S BLOOD?
Ear piercing by a doctor or established facility with a needle or gun is acceptable if free of infection. Ear or
skin piercing under any other circumstances is deferred for 1 year. Piercing of the tongue, bellybutton or
anything else besides ear is a 1-year deferral.
Deferral for a tattoo is 1 year.
Donor seeing a pre-approved acupuncturist is acceptable.
Donors who have had any parenteral exposure to blood or contact with blood or body fluids percutaneous
inoculation such as a needle stick are deferred for 1 year.
BEEN UNDER A DOCTOR’S CARE OR HAD A MAJOR ILLNESS OR SURGERY?
No deferral for doctor’s care related to physical exam. If under a doctor’s care for a condition that may result in
surgery, donor is deferred until condition is resolved. Illness and surgery are evaluated for the severity of the
problem, degree of recovery and the use of blood products.
IN THE PAST 3 YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA?
Donors who are on a cruise and visit an endemic malaria area should be deferred even if their visit was just for
a few hours. They must be free of unexplained symptoms suggestive of malaria. Anti-malaria medication is
not a cause for deferral. Endemic malaria areas are determined on a country by country basis. Deferral for
travel to a malaria area is 1 year.
SINCE 1980 HAVE YOU EVER LIVED IN OR TRAVELED TO EUROPE?
If "NO", no further questions are necessary.
If "YES", proceed to next question:
From 1980 through 1996 did you spend time that adds up to three months or more in the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, or the Falkland Islands)? Since 1980 have you received a transfusion of blood, platelets, plasma, cryoprecipitate, or granulocytes in the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, or the Falkland Islands)? Since 1980 have you spent time that adds up to 5 years or more in France or any other European country? From 1980 through 1996, were you a member of the US military, a civilian military employee, or a dependent of a member of the US military? If "NO", no further questions are necessary
If "YES", proceed to next question
Did you spend a total time of six months or more associated with a military base in any of the following countries? From 1980 through 1990 in Belgium, the Netherlands, or Germany From 1980 through 1996 in Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy, or Greece A "YES" answer to any of questions 1 through 3 or to question 5 leads to permanent deferral.
Top 10 Reasons to Donate Blood
10. You get a free mini medical exam and
will learn your blood type.
9. It will make your coworkers, family and
friends proud.
8. It shows you care.
7. You don't have to prepare for it. (Except to eat
at least 4 hours before donating!)
6. It might make you more appealing.
5. You'll get free cookies and juice.
4. You might get out of a boring meeting.
3. You get to put your feet up, relax, and be pampered
by donor room staff.
2. 90% of us will need blood at some time in our
lives…
And the No. 1 Reason to Give Blood is.
You will save lives!
Top 10 Reasons People Don't Give Blood
1. I don't like needles / I am scared of needles / I am afraid to give
blood. Nearly everyone feels that way at first. However, most donors
will tell you that you feel only a slight initial pinch, and 7-10 minutes
later, you are finished and headed for the canteen. If you take the
time (and courage) to make one donation, you'll wonder why you
ever hesitated.
2. I am too busy. The entire process takes about an hour, and the actual
blood donation time is only 7-10 minutes. If you stop to think that an hour of
your time could mean a lifetime for a premature baby, someone with can-
cer undergoing chemotherapy, or someone who's had an accident, you
might decide that you can make the time to give the gift of life.
3. No-one ever asked me.I didn't realize my blood was needed. Consider
yourself asked! There is simply no other way to supply the blood needs of hospi-
tal patients but for the generous donations of people like you. Every two sec-
onds someone in America needs blood. More than 38,000 donations are
needed every day in communities across the U.S.
4. I already gave this year. You can give every 56 days. Many donors give 5 times a
year!
5. I am afraid I'll get AIDS. It is not possible to get AIDS by donating blood. A new
sterile needle is used for each donor and discarded afterwards.
6. My blood isn't the right type. Every type of blood is needed daily to meet patient
needs. If you have a common blood type, there are many patients who need it, so it
is in high demand. If you have a less common blood type, there are fewer donors
available to give it, so it is in short supply.
7. I don't have any blood to spare. The average adult body has 10-12 pints of blood.
Doctors say that healthy adults may give regularly because the body quickly replaces
the blood you donate.
8. I don't want to feel weak afterward. Donating blood should not affect adversely a
healthy adult because your body has plenty of blood. You will donate less than one
pint, and your body, which constantly makes new blood, will replace the donated vol-
ume within 24 hours. Most people continue their usual activities after donating.
9. They won't want my blood (I am too old / I've had an illness). There is no upper
age limit to donate blood and a great many medical conditions do not prevent you
from donating blood, or may have done so only temporarily in the past. Please call
350-6100 to discuss your specific medical history concerns.
10. I have a rare blood type, so I'll wait until there is a special need. Blood that is rare or
special is almost always in short supply. There is a constant need for these blood types
in order to avoid having to recruit specific blood types in a crisis.
CHECK YOUR BLOOD IQ
The following “true or false” statements test your knowledge
about blood and donating blood.
1. Just one pint of donated blood can help save the lives of several people. 2. Artificial blood or animal blood can be used in place of human blood.
4. Since most people vacation in the summertime, less blood is needed during the summer months. 5. People who are anemic cannot donate blood.
6. Giving blood more than once a year is harmful to your health. 7. You cannot donate blood if you are under age 21 or over age 65. 8. You cannot get AIDS or any other disease by donating blood. 10. The biggest threat to the blood supply is unhealthy donors. 11. It's unlikely you'll ever need a blood transfusion. 12. It's best to wait until a family member or friend needs blood before donating. From the New York Blood Donor Center 1. True. One pint of donated blood can be separated into several components (red blood cells,
white blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate) to meet the needs of various patients. For example, platelets give those with leukemia and other cancers a chance to live, while red cells help accident victims get well. 2. False. There is no substitute for human blood. Human blood cannot be manufactured and
animal blood cannot replace it. People are the only source for human blood. 3. False. The No. 1 users of blood are cancer patients.
4. False. The need for blood never takes a day off. In fact, because there are fewer available
donors in the summertime - and during the winter holiday period as well - there is an increased need for blood donations at these times to ensure there is always an adequate blood supply for all those in need of life-saving blood therapies. In addition, blood is perishable (red blood cells last up to six weeks while platelets survive for only 5 days), making the need for freshly donated blood constant. 5. False. Anemia (low iron) conditions can improve over time, so it's important to have your iron
count checked by your physician or a trained medical technician at a blood drive before determining your own ability to donate blood. 6. False. Whole blood donors can safely donate every 8 weeks, and apheresis donors can
donate every three days up to 24 times a year. 7. False. Blood donors can be as young as 17 (17-year-olds require parents' written permission to
donate) and up to any age as long as your overall health is good. There is no reason to stop giving the precious gift of life if you are able. 8. True. There is absolutely no risk of getting AIDS or any other disease from donating blood. The
donation is performed using sterile equipment. A brand new needle is used for each blood donor and discarded immediately after the donation. 9. False. The actual blood donation takes about 7 to 10 minutes, but we encourage donors to
allot approximately one hour for the entire blood donation process. Donor forms must be properly and honestly filled out prior to donating. In addition, all donors undergo a medical history interview prior to donating as well as a mini health exam including pulse, iron count, temperature and blood pressure. Finally, following any blood donation you should rest and have a drink to replenish any fluid loss. 10. False. Sophisticated donor deferral methods and blood screening tests protect the safety of
the blood supply. Therefore, the biggest threat to the blood supply is diminishing donors. In order to meet the daily blood demand for our hospitals, we continue to rely on the generosity and goodwill of volunteer blood donors. 11. False. Nine out of ten people - from newborn infants to senior citizens - will require a blood
transfusion at some point in their lifetime. 12. False. Many tests need to be performed before blood can be transfused. For emergencies,
there is no time to collect, test and process blood donated from friends or family members. Having enough blood on hand when it is needed is possible only if healthy volunteers donate blood on a regular basis.

Source: http://stjohnsgreeley.org/Blood%20Drive%20Info.pdf