By Dawn Anderson, Public Affairs/Communications Volunteer

Buy one, get one. Everyone loves a BOGO. What if I told you about a give one, give two? I am referring to making a Power Red blood donation. This unique process allows eligible American Red Cross donors to give two units of red blood cells every four months. Can you imagine? Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. This statistic highlights the constant demand for blood donations and makes opportunities like Power Red donations even more important.

When I learned about Power Red donations, I signed up. The first time did not work out so well. My hemoglobin did not meet the minimum of 13.3 g/dL. That is a little higher than the 12.5 minimum for a regular blood donation. I still qualified to donate a regular unit, so I rolled up my sleeve and while donating researched what I needed to do to increase my hemoglobin levels. Sixty days later, I was back on the Red Cross app making my appointment for Power Red.

After two months of eating an iron rich diet full of things like broccoli, I was ready. I barely squeaked by the height requirement of more than 5’3” and began the process. At first, there was no difference in the experience. A talented and friendly Red Cross phlebotomist started the donation process. I alternated between reading my latest novel and watching the machine spin. According to the Red Cross during a Power Red donation, your blood is processed on-site. Blood is drawn from one arm through an automated process. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to you through the same arm. As the first unit of platelets and plasma pumped back into me, there was an odd sensation of coolness beginning at the donation site on my arm and migrating to my chest. Then just as quickly as it began, it stopped as the process continued with the second unit donation which followed the same cycle. According to the Red Cross, because you are receiving back the platelets and plasma, your body can recover more quickly from the donation. In fact, some people feel even more hydrated after a donation. Personally, I felt fine and enjoyed dinner out with my family that night.

My schedule is a little hectic with my busy job, volunteer work and family. The Power Red donation allows me to help meet the critical need for blood donations and saves me time. The process usually takes about an hour and a half or about 30 minutes longer than a traditional donation. It is great for the busy person who struggles to find time to schedule a donation every 60 days but recognizes how important their donation is.

Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. 

A Power Red donation is perfect for type O, A negative or B negative donors. These blood types are more compatible with potential recipients who might include trauma patients, newborns and emergency transfusions during birth, people with sickle cell anemia, and anyone suffering blood loss.

Not everyone is eligible to participate in a Power Red donation. You must meet the following qualifications:

• Be in good health and feeling well.
• Male donors must be at least 17 years old in most states, at least 5’1” tall and weight at least 130 pounds.
• Female donors must be at least 19 years old, at least 5’3” tall and weigh at least 150 pounds.
• All donors must have hemoglobin levels of at least 13.3 g/dL.

These restrictions are in place to make certain that your body has the necessary iron reserves to make a double donation of red blood cells. Just think of the impact you can have with three Power Red donations each year.

If you are not eligible for a Power Red donation, you may still be eligible for a regular donation or even a plasma or platelets donation. For donors with A positive and B positive, a plasma or platelet donation is like the Power Red process and can also help save lives and treat those in need.

The American Red Cross has made it easy for you to schedule your donation. Simply go to Donate Blood or download the app on your smartphone. You can find a convenient blood drive to fit your busy schedule. Recent weather events have disrupted blood drives, so your donation is important. Sign up today. To make an appointment to give, use the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Power Red takes around 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation and can be donated approximately every four months.