Tag Archives: Raise Your Sleeve

May 1, 2013 · 10:21 am

Donor of the Month

Congratulations to Indiana Blood Center’s Donor of the Month…

Cathy Summers

Cathy Summers of Greenwood, Indiana

 

Cathy is a committed platelet donor, donating every two weeks. She is also an I Pledge member and has pledged to donate platelets 24 times this year. Cathy enrolled in I Pledge because she believes it’s a “nice perk” as she plans to give anyway.

“Cathy is a wonderful woman and is a very dedicated platelet donor,” said Nicole Brosseau, donor center specialist in Greenwood. “We are fortunate for her support.”

Cathy’s first donation experience was during a blood drive hosted by her employer. When the company recruited employees to participate in their blood drive, they called on Cathy. Although terrified of needles, Cathy set aside her fear and gave an hour of her time and donated blood.

When asked what has kept her coming back, Cathy said, “I’m healthy and able to give, so as long I’m able, I will continue to donate.”

Cathy is a long-time blood donor, but recent circumstances have further impacted her views on blood donation. Cathy’s daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, so donating blood now has an even greater impact on Cathy.

Understanding the busy lives of young people today, Cathy encourages them to donate when they can. “Just pay it forward,” said Cathy. “If the time comes where you need blood, you want to feel you have done your part.”

Now that you’ve read Cathy’s inspiring story, it’s your turn. Visit DonorPoint.org to join our life-saving network and schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 28, 2013 · 4:44 pm

Inside the Blood Donation Process – Step Three (Option 3)

donating double red cells

Step Three: Donating Double Red Cells

Moving forward with Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share an additional donation option —donating double red cells.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. One double red cell donation results in twice as many red cells as a typical whole blood donation. Red cells transport oxygen to body cells, remove carbon dioxide, and contain iron in the hemoglobin.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • From start to finish the double red cell donation process takes about 60 minutes.
  • A donor can donate double red cells every 112 days.
  • Eligibility for donating double red cells is based on the donor’s hemoglobin and total blood volume, which is calculated using donor’s height, weight, and gender.
  • A double red cell donation can be made at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and at some mobile drives.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your red cells. Before your red cells are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side will prove to be more effective, feel free to share this information with your blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to distend in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use, sterile needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 40mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect double red cells, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the red blood cells are separated and collected in the blood bag, most of the platelets and plasma are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

Well done! What a simple way to give back twofold.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Four: Refresh (the last and final step of Indiana Blood Center’s donation process). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 21, 2013 · 4:14 pm

Inside the Blood Donation Process – Step Three (Option 2)

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Step Three: Donating Platelets

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you another donation option – donating platelets.

At Indiana Blood Center, you have a choice of donating whole blood, platelets, double red cells, or plasma. Platelets (the yellow stuff in your blood) are small cell fragments in the blood that help control bleeding. They are needed by many types of patients, including those undergoing cancer treatments, bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • From start to finish the process of donating platelets takes about one and half to two hours.
  • You can donate platelets every seven days.
  • The shelf-life of platelets is five days and therefore, the need for platelets is constant.
  • Platelets can be donated at all Indiana Blood Center donor centers and on our platelet bus.

Phlebotomy (process of drawing blood)
You will start by relaxing in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your platelets. Before your platelets are collected, it is important to determine which arm is best to use. If you think one side is will prove to be more effective feel free to share this information with you blood technician. Having identified the best suited arm, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. He/she will then apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause the vein to project in preparation for drawing blood (you may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood. The remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing into the collection bag.

To collect platelets, your whole blood must be separated into its four components. Indiana Blood Center uses a process called apheresis to separate whole blood into its platelets, plasma, white blood cells and red blood cells components. The machine used then collects the components based on your physiology and blood count. Once the platelets are separated and collected in the blood bag, the plasma and red blood cells are returned to your body along with some saline to balance your fluids.

That’s a wrap. Feels good. How simple it was to donate.

Stay connected next week for more information on Step Three: Donation (Double Red Cells). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 14, 2013 · 9:42 am

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step Three (Option 1)

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Step Three: Donating Blood

You passed! Your mini-physical confirms you are eligible to donate.

As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, we would like to share with you step three of the donation process—donating whole blood.

At Indiana Blood Center, you may choose to donate whole blood, platelets, plasma or double red cells. Whole blood is the most common donation type, during which the equivalent of one pint of blood is collected. Red blood cells from your whole blood donation have a shelf life of 42 days and donors can make a whole blood donation every 56 days.

The process of drawing whole blood (called phlebotomy) is quick and easy, and complete in about 15 minutes. To start, you will relax in a comfortable, reclining chair while a blood technician prepares to draw your blood. The phlebotomy process follows.

Phlebotomy
Prior to collecting the blood, it is important to determine which arm is best for drawing blood. If you think one side will prove to be more effective feel free to share this knowledge with your blood technician. Once the best suited side is identified, the blood technician will clean the site for 30 seconds with an antiseptic. Then, he/she will apply a blood pressure cuff, or tourniquet, to cause your vein to project in preparation for drawing blood. (You may also be asked to squeeze your hand to increase pressure in the vein to optimize the process). A single-use needle attached to sterile tubing and a collection bag will be used for phlebotomy.

Collection
The first part of your blood donation will flow through the tubing into a small bag called a diversion pouch. Any bacteria still present after application of antiseptic will flow with the blood to the diversion pouch. The diversion pouch also collects enough blood to provide samples for required testing for infectious diseases and to confirm blood type. The diversion pouch collects about 25mL of blood, then the remainder of your blood donation will continue along the tubing to the blood collection bag. The bag has a maximum volume of 500 mL, and is placed upon an automated scale to ensure the correct amount of blood is withdrawn.

Indiana Blood Center Blood Technician providing blood donor with post donation instructions

Indiana Blood Center Blood Technician providing blood donor with post donation instructions

After filling the blood bag, you have fulfilled your donation requirement. At this time, the blood technician will disconnect the blood bag. Having completed this portion of the process, the blood technician will then clean your arm and provide you with post donation instructions. These instructions inform you of the dos and don’ts following blood donation.

That was easy. Can you think of a simpler way to make a life-saving difference?

Stay connected next week to gain more information on Step Three: Donation (Platelets and Plasma). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 7, 2013 · 3:34 pm

Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process – Step Two

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Step Two: The Mini-Physical

You’re registered? That’s great, now you are ready for the next step of the donation process. As we continue with the Inside Indiana Blood Center’s Donation Process mini-series, (after Step One: Registration) we would now like to share with you step two of the donation process – the mini-physical.

Indiana Blood Center’s mini-physical is one of donors’ health benefits of giving blood. During this time, a blood technician will examine your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin level and explain your results. The mini-physical is intended to protect the health of you, the donor, as well as the patient who will receive your blood.

Our mission is to connect healthy Hoosiers with patients in need. Thus, each and every donor must be feeling healthy and well in order to complete the blood donation process.

Temperature
Fever may be the first sign of an infection. Therefore, a donor who has a temperature exceeding 99.5°F will be ineligible to donate until the temperature has remained below 99.5 for more than 24 hours, and any symptoms (cough, congestion, diarrhea etc.) have resolved.

Blood Pressure
It is important for donors to have acceptable blood pressure levels, as well. Blood pressure that is too high or too low indicates that the donor may not be at his/her healthiest, and may not tolerate the donation process well. Donors’ blood pressure must be between 90/50 and 180/100 to be eligible to donate. Taking blood pressure medication does not make you ineligible, as long as your blood pressure is within the acceptable limits.

Hemoglobin Levels
Hemoglobin levels are tested to verify donors have enough red blood cells to safely donate blood, and to ensure an appropriate “dose” is provided for the patient. Those who have a hemoglobin level below 12.5 will be temporarily deferred. This is to ensure the donor has a sufficient level of hemoglobin to support the production of red blood cells to replace those lost to donation. A low hemoglobin level may be associated with anemia (too few red blood cells), often due to iron deficiency. A diet that is low in iron rich foods may explain low hemoglobin levels for some donors.

Weight
You must weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood. You will not be weighed, but you will be asked to report your weight to the best of your knowledge. People of lower weight have a smaller blood volume and are less able to safely and comfortably tolerate the loss of fluid from a blood donation. There is no established upper weight limit for blood donation.

The mini-physical ensures that you are healthy enough to donate and that Indiana Blood Center is connecting hospitals, medical centers and patients with the best possible donors.

Stay connected next week to as we discuss Step Three: Donation (Whole Blood). In the meantime, visit DonorPoint.org to schedule an appointment to Raise Your Sleeve.

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March 1, 2013 · 12:08 pm

Donor of the Month

 

Jeffrey Lucas of Columbus, Ind.

Jeffrey Lucas of Columbus, Indiana

 

Jeff, 54, began donating platelets in 1997 and has been a dedicated Indiana Blood Center donor ever since.

Jeff’s commitment to our lifesaving mission comes from his loss of loved ones due to cancer. Platelets are often needed to provide treatment for cancer patients.

“My inspiration to donate is simply from knowing that I might be helping someone in need,” said Jeff. “This is something I can do.”

Many other types of patients also need platelets to restore their health, such as those undergoing bone marrow or organ transplants, trauma procedures or open heart surgeries. Jeff usually makes his platelet contribution every two weeks to help maintain a stable supply.

Platelet Technician Craig Mitchell said, “He has an easy-going personality and the staff is always happy to see him come in the door. Jeff has been donating platelets for years and is very committed to our mission.”

“In my life I have supported causes financially,” said Jeff, “I have volunteered my time, but I can honestly say that I find donating platelets the most rewarding. If even just one person is still with us because of my platelets then it’s worth it.”

We are humbled by Jeff’s dedication to giving the gift of life. Now it’s your turn. Follow Jeff’s outstanding lead and join our life-saving mission by committing to Raise Your Sleeve at DonorPoint.org. Make an appointment today. You will have someone’s undying gratitude.

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February 15, 2013 · 4:39 pm

Common Misconceptions about Donating Blood

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Have you considered donating blood, but have yet to Raise Your Sleeve? Indiana Blood Center would like to know, what causes some people to fear or avoid the chair?

American Association of Blood Banks reports that less than 10 percent of eligible Americans currently donate. Many cite an assortment of reasons for not donating blood.

Needles are scary
Most often we hear, “I’m afraid of needles.” Many people have this concern well into adulthood. However, according to several Indiana Blood Center donors, the procedure is painless, quick, and easy.

Difficult to find time
Many people believe their lives are too busy to find time to donate. What those people may not know is that it only takes about an hour (start to finish) to donate blood. (FYI - this is equivalent to the amount of time it takes to watch an episode of NCIS).

Easy to forget
“I’ve been meaning to schedule another appointment, but I keep forgetting,” sound familiar? Remembering to donate blood is easier than you may think. Simply visit DonorPoint.org, schedule an appointment, and mark your calendar. Prior to your appointment, you will receive an e-mail reminder to help jog your memory.

So, why wait? Go to DonorPoint.org and make your life-saving appointment to Raise Your Sleeve today.

Did we miss anything? What reasons prevent you from donating blood?

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February 1, 2013 · 12:44 pm

Donor of the Month

Congratulations to Indiana Blood Center’s Donor of the Month…

James May, of West Lafayette.

James, 60, has been regularly donating blood since 1985. Even with a busy schedule as a 40-year letter carrier for West Lafayette, James found time to support Indiana Blood Center’s life-saving mission by donating platelets the maximum amount allowed every year since 2004.

Knowing platelets are constantly needed with a shelf life of only five days, James has committed to donating platelets whenever he is able.

As an adolescent, it was not easy for James to build up the courage to donate his first time. However, the rewarding feeling he experienced after donating brought James back.

“I was afraid of needles as a teenager. I made it a point not to look at the needle, and I still do. But I surprised myself. It wasn’t bad,” said James. “And it is the easiest way to save a life.”

Because blood donation is so important to sustaining the lives of Hoosiers and people everywhere, James encourages everyone to help donate blood.

“You might surprise yourself. People can do things they don’t even realize they can do,” said James. “What’s more important than saving lives? And it’s fun. I have a great time every time I do it.”

James’ commitment is quite compelling and we hold his dedication to our life-saving mission in high regard. Follow James’ lead and help save lives. Make an appointment today at DonorPoint.org.

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November 29, 2012 · 10:56 am

Donor of the Month

Congratulations to Indiana Blood Center’s Donor of the Month…

Daniel Orians of Carmel, Indiana

Daniel, a freshman at Ball State University, gave whole blood for the first time when he was 16 years old. Daniel felt uneasy and couldn’t stand the sight of needles, but it didn’t take long for Daniel to overcome his fear. He was back a year later and this time full of courage.

After learning from his mom (a dedicated platelet donor) about the lifesaving impact platelets have, Daniel decided to step up to the plate.

Daniel may be considered a “young” platelet donor, but young in this case does not indicate inexperienced. At the young age of 19, Daniel has donated 35 times (three whole blood donations and 32 platelet donations). Talk about dedication!

“Daniel rides his bike to his appointments rain or shine. That kind of dedication and passion isn’t something we see every day, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed,” said Chelsea, donor center specialist at Muncie donor center.

Daniel encourages all Hoosiers to take time to Raise Their Sleeves. The reward of knowing you helped save a life has proven to be well worth a small needle prick for Daniel.

“I love the feeling of knowing that within five days what I have donated could have saved someone’s life,” said Orians.

Follow Daniel’s lead and Raise Your Sleeve. The benefit is nothing short of lifesaving. Make an appointment today at DonorPoint.org.

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November 7, 2012 · 9:03 am

Ask Employees to Raise their Sleeves, Not Dollars

How often are you approached to give money? There are plenty of worthy causes that need our financial support. When Indiana Blood Center asks a local business to host a blood drive, we tell them to ask their employees to raise their sleeves, not dollars. A 501(c)3, we are a not-for-profit organization and can accept monetary donations, though our focus is on saving lives through the collection of blood.

When you decide to give back to your community through a blood donation, you don’t need to give money or even much time – but, the result can have an immediate impact on the life of a Hoosier.

Indiana Blood Center makes it easy for organizations looking for a community service opportunity for their employees and members. We coordinate with businesses, schools and faith-based groups to host blood drives on-site for free. The organization provides a space and recruits donors, and we show up at the curb with everything required to have a successful blood drive. It takes about an hour to donate blood, and with “curbside community service” the process is made convenient by having a blood drive at your organization.

We work with nearly 2,000 organizations throughout Indiana who have committed to “curbside community service” as part of their community service programs offered to employees and members.

Indiana Blood Center needs to see 191,163 donors in 2013 in order to meet the needs of the patients at the hospitals we supply.  This is a large number and therefore, we rely heavily on dedicated donors from these 2,000 host organizations to help get us there.

Encourage those who are able to give through “curbside community service.” It makes it convenient for you and your organization to give back. Remember that not everyone can give money to the local charity, but just about anyone can give blood. And when they do, their donation will touch the lives of three Hoosiers – maybe even someone in your organization.

To host a blood drive with Indiana Blood Center, click here to find a field representative in your area.

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