User:Johannah Stevenson/Blood Donation

Blood Donations During Natural Disasters:

Blood donations tend to always be high in demand with numerous accounts repeatedly stating periodic shortages over the decades (Sass). However, this trend is disrupted during national disasters.  The trend demonstrates that people are donating the most during catastrophes when, arguably, donations are not as needed compared to periods without disasters (Sass).  From 1988 to 2013, it has been reported that there was a greater number of units donated (that is over 100 units) than used on patients for every national disaster (Schmidt). One of the most notable examples of this pattern was the September 11th attacks.  A study observed that compared to the four weeks before September 11th, there was an estimated increase of 18,700 donations from first-time donors for the first week after the attack (about 4,000 to about 22,700) while repeat donors increased their donations by 10,000 per week (about 16,400 to 26,400) (Glynn, Busch, Schreiber).  Therefore, in the first week after the attack on 9/11, there was an overall estimated 28,700 increase in donations compared to the average weekly donations made four weeks prior to the attack.  However, despite the substantial increase of donors, the rate that first-time donors would become repeat donors were the same before and after the attack(Glynn, Busch, Schreiber), demonstrating that for many donors, donations shortly following the attack were a one-time occurrence.   The occurrence of September 11 is evidence showcasing that many people who meet the requirements to donate do not donate as much as they could (Glynn, Busch, Schreiber).  To better understand the reasoning for the influx of donations, one must understand the core reasons for donating blood in the first place.  Multiple studies have shown that the main reason people donate is due to “altruism”, general awareness regarding the demand for blood, increased confidence in oneself, helping a personal friend/relative, and social pressure(Edwards and Zeichner).  The reason for the increase in donations is most likely due to altruism and national pride.  On the other hand, lack of blood donations can occur due to fear, lack of faith in the medical professionals, inconvenience, and the lack of consideration for donating(Drake).

The Need for Blood Donation

The American Red Cross states that each day an estimated 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed (American Red Cross) with not enough donors to match the demands.  Most shortages during the year occur between July 4th and Labor Day as well as between December 25th and January 1st.   Not to mention, there isn’t a consistent demand for each blood type.  One type of blood being in stock does not guarantee that another type is.  Blood banks may have some units in stock but lack others, ultimately causing the patients that need units for specific blood types to have delayed or canceled procedures (Glynn).  Additionally, every year there is an increase of around 5-7% for transfusions without an increase of donors to balance it as well as a growing population of elderly people that will need more transfusions in the future without a predicted increase in donations(McCarthy).  Along those lines, it is known that blood can expire and have a limited shelf life[90], making it essential for donors to continuously donate blood.