By Dena Pepple, R.N. and Katie Jordan R.N. for Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

THE TIME IS NOW TO GIVE BLOOD!

WHY DO NURSES BRING RED PENS TO WORK? IN CASE THEY NEED TO DRAW BLOOD!

WHAT HAS ANTLERS AND SUCKS BLOOD? A “MOOSE”QUITO!

THEY TOLD ME I HAD TYPE A BLOOD, BUT IT WAS A “TYPE O!”

TWO BLOOD CELLS MET AND FELL IN LOVE. ALAS, IT WAS ALL IN VEIN!

We hope these jokes brought a little smile to your face today. Unfortunately, the blood supplies in our country today are no laughing matter.

There is ALWAYS a need for blood donations, but due to the Corona virus concerns over the last few months, our blood supply is at a critically low point. The American Red Cross alone had to cancel over 2,700 blood drives nationwide resulting in 86,000 fewer donations. And they’re only one of several blood donation centers around the country that have had to cancel blood drives and have dwindling blood donations.

Despite this drop in donations, about 4.5 million Americans will still need blood transfusions this year. These transfusions help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, organ transplant and heart patients, and many with cancer or other chronic diseases that require some or all parts of donated blood.

One pint of blood can save up to three people’s lives.

Every two seconds, someone in our country needs a blood transfusion. That’s a lot of blood!!

We will be hosting our very first blood drive on Friday August 14^th, 2020 at Raintree Pediatrics. The address is 995 SW 34th St., Lee’s Summit, MO. The Red Cross Donor Coach will be parked in our parking lot from 10am -3pm.

You can get signed up at RedCrossBlood.org. Just click on this link and search for Raintree. You can pick your donation time from the list of available times.

If you can donate, please do not hesitate! We need to recognize the impact COVID-19 has had on our community and give back however we can. If there were ever a time to give blood, it’s right now! Please consider helping us address this important need.

Tips for donating blood

• EAT – Eating regularly before your donation will help blood sugar levels stable. Try to eat an iron rich meal before your blood donation. This will help you feeling well during donation. 
• HYDRATE – Try to drink plenty of fluids the day before, and the day of your donation. We recommend drinking at least 16 oz of water prior to your donation. The more water you drink, the quicker your blood volume levels will normalize. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ONE DAY PRIOR TO DONATION AND THE DAY OF YOUR DONATION. Alcohol can delay your recovery and may even cause you to become dehydrated after your donation.
• EXERCISE – Avoid any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting the day of your donation. Keeping your body in a rested state is important in recovery after a blood donation. 
• WEAR – Please try to wear short sleeves or loose sleeves to your blood donation. Something with easy access to your veins.
• DISTRACT – It is normal to feel nervous before blood donation. Especially if it is your first time.  Bring a book or listen to music to help keep you distracted during your donation.
• KNOW – Once you have made the decision to donate you must be screened. Although many can give blood there are some restrictions. There is a list of ineligible donors on RedCrossBlood.org.
• SLEEP – It is recommended to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep the night before your donation. This will aid in keeping you alert during your donation. 

Safety of the drive is of the highest priority to the Red Cross.

The Red Cross will be maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet apart during the drive. Before entering the donor coach, you will have your temperature taken. Any temperature over 99.4 will be asked to leave and donate at another time. All donors and staff members must always wear a mask while in the donor coach.

If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. Any donor that refuses to wear a mask will be asked to leave and donate later. Everything inside the donor coach will be thoroughly sanitized after every donation. No drinks or snacks will be allowed inside the donor coach but there will be a snack station available after your blood donation.

Each donation will take between 35 minutes to 1 hour.

COVID-19 Antibody Testing

Each blood donation will have the COVID-19 antibody test. This test indicates if a donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the corona virus, regardless if they have developed symptoms.

The Red Cross is not testing to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. Individuals who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should not be present to donate until they are symptom free for 28 days. Donors can expect to receive antibody test results in 7-10 days after your donation through the Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

Donors must have a successful donation to receive the COVID-19 antibody test results. Per standard donation procedure, only successful donations are sent to the Red Cross laboratory for testing.

WHAT IS THE BLOOD TYPE OF HAPPY PEOPLE?  B POSITIVE!

WHERE DO VAMPIRES KEEP THEIR MONEY? IN A BLOOD BANK!!

About 37% of the population is eligible to donate blood in the USA, but only about 10% actually donate. Please help us increase that number and sign up for our blood drive. Help us refill that “blood bank”. We are “positive” it will be worth it!