Where to Donate Blood & Plasma in Fort Worth

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Sometimes I overthink and stress out about the perfect gift for a friend. What starts as a selfless idea morphs into a frenzy of research, wasted hours, and in the end, nothing to show. In reality, the best present you could offer someone is yourself, such as a hug, a phone call, or sharing a meal together. Those friendships are what keep the world turning, and if I had to, I’d happily give a kidney to save a friend. 

The Red Cross is experiencing an extreme shortage of blood donationslFortunately, up until this point, I haven’t had to undergo surgery for a friend. However, there’s something much less invasive that allows me to give back.

Donating blood and plasma is a way for me and others to strengthen our community from the inside out, especially in times of crisis. The Red Cross says it is experiencing the worst blood shortage in a decade, which makes donating extremely urgent.

Since I recently recovered from COVID-19 (thank you, omicron strain), I plan on donating blood ASAP. Doctors are finding that plasma from recovered COVID-19 donors, called convalescent plasma, can boost immunity in patients suffering from the virus. Plasma, the liquid part of blood, contains antibodies that fight infection and disease. When a patient suffering from COVID-19 receives plasma rich with coronavirus-fighting antibodies, the patient begins to recover by showing less clinical signs, such as easier breathing and lack of fever. There are strict guidelines for people who have been infected to donate, but the medical community, including the surgeon general, is urging those who qualify to give.

Where to Donate Blood and Plasma 

It’s extremely convenient to find a location to donate blood or plasma. Below is a list of places to donate blood and/or plasma, and you can also visit the American Association of Blood Banks and COVIDPlasma.org to find a location near you: 

Where to give blood and plasma and what to expect.What to Expect 

When you show up, you’ll be asked a series of medical questions. There are overlapping guidelines for donating plasma and blood. For example, donors must be at least 18 years of age to donate plasma (age 16 to donate whole blood), weight at least 110 pounds, and pass medical screenings and testing for transmissible viruses. You can donate blood if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, though you’ll need to provide the manufacturer name of the vaccine. Check out other blood eligibility requirements here

>> RELATED READ :: What to Expect When You Donate Blood & Plasma <<

Donating blood takes around an hour, while plasma takes up to two hours. Neither hurts except for the sting of the needle, which draws the blood.

Donate blood and plasma.It’s common to feel lightheaded after donating, so nibble on a cookie or other sweet treat to raise your blood sugar levels. You’ve earned it! 

If something tragic were to happen to a friend, I would be devastated. I would want the hospitals in which they are treated to be fully stocked and equipped with the tools it needs to help patients. If hospitals don’t have blood and plasma to offer patients, the victims end up suffering.

While I’m able, and before I regret it, I’ll go under the needle (it’s just a little one, anyway), and give the best gift ever: ME! 

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