Save a Life, Donate Blood!

January 28, 2025

image of woman's arm holding a heart shaped squeeze ball and donating blood

While the excitement of the holidays has totally worn off by now, that’s no time to stop giving. January is National Blood Donor Month, and it’s the perfect time to make a plan for the new year to share the life-saving gift of blood!

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the US needs blood every two seconds! Making a blood donation helps those in need and has surprising health benefits for you, too! If you’re considering donating, here is some additional food for thought:

 

 

Find Senior Living Near Me

 

Benefits of Donating Blood:

Getting Started:

Find a local blood drive near you. If you can’t find a drive, consider hosting one with your friends!  Here are links to learn more about hosting blood drives:

American Red Cross

Lifeserve Blood Center

DakMinn Blood Bank

Nebraska Community Blood Bank

Before Donation:

Get plenty of rest, exercise, eat a good meal, and drink plenty of fluids. If you’re not feeling your best, wait until you are to donate.

Donation Day:

You’ll need to bring a photo ID, and depending on which blood bank you work with, you may need to get a donation card to keep.

You’ll receive a name tag and complete a brief health questionnaire with an associate from the blood bank.

Your blood will be tested to determine if the hemoglobin level is suitable for donation (enjoying a meal with lean meat the day before can increase your odds of being approved for donation). After you’re tested, you’ll be seated in a donation chair to begin the process.

Barriers to Donating:

 Not everyone chooses to donate blood. Some people are squeamish around needles or are concerned about it being painful. With professionals guiding the process, it should be relatively painless, and they’re quick to tell you to look away from the needle if it’s not your cup of tea to watch the donation process.

If you’re generally healthy without significant health diagnoses, you should be able to donate.

Some medications and significant health conditions can prevent people from donating blood. If you’re concerned you shouldn’t donate or don’t think you can, always speak with your doctor to learn more, especially if you’re hoping to improve your health.

Make Your New Year Great!

Many people are setting new outcomes for themselves this year; whether you want to donate blood or volunteer, kudos! Helping others leads to true happiness.

If it’s senior living you’re seeking this year, let Edgewood Healthcare help! We offer short-term stays, adult day services, independent living, assisted living, and memory care. To learn how services could help you or someone you love, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.

More Recent Posts

View All News
Senior females seated at table

April 22, 2025

Cherish Every Chapter: Finding Friendship and Joy in Senior Living

Struggling with loneliness? You’re not alone. Friendship and connection are key to a happy, healthy life—especially as we age. Discover how senior living makes it easier to build meaningful relationships and stay engaged.

Read More
Female residents and staff picutred with pies

April 14, 2025

Medicare & Medicaid Explained: Easy As Pie!

  It can be hard to keep things straight when we’re not feeling our best, so let’s break down Medicare and Medicaid—two vital programs that often cause confusion. Understanding the difference could save you time and money and help you make informed healthcare decisions.       Medicare: What Is It?   Medicare is a […]

Read More
Female wearing brightly colored printed shirt holding a suitcase

April 7, 2025

Make the Most of Your Snowbird Adventures!

If you’re a seasoned snowbird, you probably look forward to your journey all year. Escaping the challenges of winter for a bright, sunny paradise full of hobbies sounds both relaxing and thrilling—but only if your health and abilities allow.   To truly enjoy any experience, it’s essential to feel your best. Your favorite restaurants, destinations, […]

Read More
Senior female residents enjoying lunch in the dining room.

March 27, 2025

More Than a Meal: Helping Seniors Eat Well & Stay Happy

Mealtime is more than just eating—it’s an experience, a time for connection, and a source of comfort. Think about how holiday meals bring families together, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and shared stories. Now, imagine sitting down to eat alone. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for many seniors, and it can significantly impact […]

Read More