Donating blood and giving back to your community

I just got back from donating blood to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) here on campus. Usually I give to the Red Cross, but I figure just give where you can, right? And you know how easy it was for me to walk up there and fill out their mini is-your-blood-good-enough quiz? Very.  No skin off my nose. I'm sure even a monkey could do it, so why not you?

Personally, I have no fear of needles or blood or anything to do with that. In fact, I think it's actually cool to watch. (I've always had a fascination for medicine and science even though I'm not good at them.) However, I do realize that not everyone is me and some people pass out at the very thought of blood. Still, did you know that only 38% of people living in the United Sates are actually able to donate blood? Want to hear something even worse? Only 5% of that measly number actually go out and give their blood to those who need it. So when more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day, this isn't good.

It's a fact that 25% of people worldwide will need a blood transfusion at some point in their life. Then again I'm sure this makes it another one of those things where everybody says, "Oh, it'll happen to someone else. Never me." There's no point in thinking like that. What if you get in a car accident? Bet you didn't know that one victim usually needs around 100 units of blood.

It's kind of like Social Security. We all pay on it even though maybe not all of us will actually live here long enough to use it (morbid, but true). Still, you pay that tax -- even if it might not be by choice. People should think the same way about donating.

Like I said before though, giving blood isn't for everyone. I get it. "I hate needles. I'm scared of blood. What if I pass out? What happens if the sharks come?" I've heard it all, and I'm not going to sit here and patronize you like there's no tomorrow for something you may or may not be able to help. I am going to tell you that there are plenty of other charities and causes out there dealing with problems bigger, smaller or just like the blood shortages that we face every year because people just can't seem to "find the time".

1 in every 7 patients entering a hospital needs a blood transfusion.
The American Red Cross can locate blood drives near you by entering your zip code.

Around 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes every day.
Study for the SATs and give food to those in need at Free Rice.

1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Click once a day at Click to Give to give a woman a free mammogram.

There were 832 cases of animal abuse in the U.S. in 2009.
And those are only the ones actually reported. Find your local ASPCA and adopt.

As you can see, there is more than one way to support something you care about (hopefully). So if you're not ready to go stick your arm with a needle and donate that pint, maybe buy something in support of those who have breast cancer. Opportunities are everywhere, and not all of them have to cost you. It's just a matter of finding what's out there and actually being committed to it.

Chances are that if you're reading this blog then you're more fortunate than someone else in the world and can spare that one click a day or find an hour for that shelter. I don't want to hear anyone say that they're too busy. Not even President Barack Obama could be too busy to put together a little care package for the soldiers fighting for all of us overseas.

We all have those we care about, so think of it this way: if not for me, then for who?

Want to check my statistics or see more? Go ahead. Thank you Blood, Bread for the World, BreastCancer.org and Pet-Abuse.com for the reality check.