It’s National Blood Donor Month.  Every January the American Red Cross celebrates those that have made life-saving contributions and encourages others to donate. At Studio City-based ABC Compounding Pharmacy, we believe it is important to understand how blood donations save lives.

Resolve To Give

January is one of the most difficult times of the year to collect enough donations to meet patient’s needs.  Due to harsh weather conditions, donation drives are often cancelled and seasonal illnesses make donors temporarily ineligible to donate. Studio City Compounding Pharmacy.

Whether you’re donating for a loved one or just want to help others, the need for blood is constant.  Your donation is important in maintaining a reliable and healthy supply since blood can only be stored for a limited amount of time.  Blood is a valuable and precious gift that can’t be manufactured and you’ll feel great knowing you helped save a life.

What Will Your Blood Donation Be Used For?

Your precious donation will be used for various reasons.  Some of these reasons include:

• People in need of regular transfusions.
• Those with severe trauma following a natural disaster or accident.
• Women with pregnancy complications like hemorrhaging before, during or after child birth.
• Children with severe anemia. Studio City Compounding Pharmacy.

 Donation Process

• Make sure that you drink plenty of water and have a light meal before you donate.
• Registration: The staff will sign you in and go over donation and eligibility information. You will be asked for two forms of identification, such as your driver’s license and donor card.
• Mini-Physical: During a private interview, you will be asked about your health history, places you’ve traveled to and a list of medications you are taking.  They will also check your pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels.
• The Donation: The actual donation process takes 8-10 minutes and is guaranteed to be safe and sterile.  During this time you will be seated comfortably and the staff will be available for any questions or concerns you may have. Studio City Compounding Pharmacy
• Refreshments: When the donation process is complete, it is beneficial to have a snack and something to drink from the refreshment area. You are able to leave the site 10-15 minutes after completion and may continue with any normal activities. Studio City Compounding Pharmacy.

Where Do Donate

If you are looking to donate, here are some helpful tips:

• American Red Cross. Download the American Res Cross Blood Donor App to make an appointment, or go to redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
• Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Blood Donor Center.  To schedule an appointment go to chla.org/blood-donor-center, or call (323) 361-2441.
• UCLA Blood and Platelet Center.  For an appointment, visit gotblood.ucla.edu, or call (310) 825-0888 ext. 2.