Let’s play a word association game. When I say “blood,” what comes to mind? Perhaps a horror movie, or a memory of a painful cut? While the thought or sight of blood may make some people cringe, giving blood isn’t a gory process. Not only does giving blood benefit the health of our community, but it has health benefits for the giver as well.

So what’s in it for you? Livestrong.com found several health benefits to giving blood. First, you get a miniphysical to ensure you’re healthy enough to donate. If you’re anemic or have an off-kilter blood pressure, that would be identified prior to giving. 

Lucky for me, I’m currently in graduate school, and the Red Cross comes to me, as the organization gets a large part of its donations from students. That’s why summers without classes are a time of great need for blood donations.

“Blood drive sponsors are needed all year long, especially the summer months when high schools and colleges are out, and students are not typically donating blood,” said Laurie Nehring, Communications Manager for Red Cross.

Consistent blood donors enjoy benefits associated with reduced cancer and heart problems, as found by studies done by Florida Blood Services, Miller-Keystone Blood Center.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center also found that blood is replaced within 48 hours, which may help the body run more efficiently. Think of it as giving your body an oil change--“refilling” can increase your vehicle’s (body’s) performance.

The American Red Cross is the most recognized organization for blood donation, and has a wealth of information available about the process. Basic eligibility includes being at least 17 years old, weighing more than 110 pounds and passing the aforementioned mini-physical, which tests for potential issues like low iron.

Assuming you do qualify, you’ll be instructed to take it easy to allow your body to replenish itself. In my personal experience, after a few days I actually feel like I have a bit more energy.

If your workplace or other organization doesn’t sponsor a blood drive, the Red Cross makes organizing one as painless as possible. People can choose to sponsor a drive for many reasons; some remember a loved one, while others show support through their organization, like the St. Louis Blues hockey team.

You can make appointments online, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or stop by a local blood drive. Red Cross works hard to make donating seamless, with a special need for Type O donors.

“While all types are needed, O negative can be used for transfusions when a person-in-need’s blood type is unknown,” Nehring said.

Upcoming drives in both Ballwin and Ellisville are both on June 30. Click on the links for their information, or stop by the donation center at 13369 Olive in Chesterfield, or the location at 9230 Watson Rd. in St. Louis.