The demand for blood is great, but the number of people donating is low. In the United States, a unit of blood is needed every two seconds. Yet fewer than 5 percent of those eligible actually donate blood.

Gulf Coast Blood Center in conjunction with Houston Northwest Medical Center is hosting a blood drive.

Appointments can be made by calling the Houston Northwest Medical Center blood bank at 281-440-2646 or going to the Gulf Coast Web site at www.giveblood.org.   

Date:               Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time:               8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location:         Houston Northwest Medical Center
                        710 F.M. 1960 West, Atrium A & B
                        Houston, TX 77090
Appointments: Call 281-440-2646

One donation can help save the lives of up to 3 people. Save lives by donating blood.

Frequently Asked Questions
A number of misconceptions and groundless fears may contribute to keeping people from giving blood. Houston Northwest Medical Center wants to help address these concerns. Here are some common questions about blood donation and the answers.

Q.        Are there any restrictions? Can anyone give blood?

A.        If you are at least 17 years old, are in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds, you are eligible to donate blood.

Q.        What happens when I donate blood?

A.        First, you’ll be asked questions about your health history and current health status. Your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure will be checked. A drop of blood from your fingertip or earlobe will be used to measure your iron level.

Donating a pint of blood takes about 10 minutes. After the blood is collected, you’ll be given juice and a snack to help your body recover. For the next 24 hours you should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, especially water.

Q.        How often can I donate blood?

A.        You can donate every eight weeks. This will allow your body to replace the red blood cells lost during blood donation. Some states limit how often a person can donate within a year.       

Q.        What happens to the blood?

A.        Donated blood is kept refrigerated or frozen until needed. Usually, your blood will be divided into its components: red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Each of these has a different use. Red blood cells help accident victims and people with anemia. Platelets help control bleeding in cancer and leukemia patients. White blood cells help fight infection.

Q.        How much blood is donated each year?

A.        About 14 million units — enough to help nearly 5 million people — is donated in the United States each year.

Q.        Are there reasons why I couldn’t give blood?

A.        There are reasons why a donor would be deferred during the donation process. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, those who may be deferred may include:

• Anyone who has ever used intravenous drugs (illegal IV drugs)
• Men who have had sexual contact with other men since 1977
• Anyone who has ever received clotting factor concentrates
• Anyone with a positive test for HIV (AIDS virus)
• Men and women who have engaged in sex for money or drugs since 1977
• Anyone who has had hepatitis since his or her eleventh birthday
• Anyone who has had babesiosis or Chagas disease
• Anyone who has taken Tegison for psoriasis
• Anyone who has risk factors for Crueutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) or who has an immediate family member with CJD
• Anyone who has risk factors for vCJD
• Anyone who spent three months or more in the United Kingdom from 1980 through 1996
• Anyone who received a blood transfusion in the United Kingdom or France from 1980 to the present
• Anyone who has spent five years in Europe from 1980 to the present. 

Q.        Is it safe to donate?

A.        Yes. Because all blood bags and needles are kept sterile and used only once, donors are safe from contracting disease. The healthcare workers who help with blood donation wear latex gloves to provide you with further protection.       

Q.        Where can I find out more about donating blood?

A.        Call the Gulf Coast Blood Center to learn more about donating blood. You also can visit the American Red Cross’s Web site at www.givelife2.org for additional information.