By Rebecca Robinson

As someone who works in health care, Ashleigh Wilson understands better than most just how critical blood donations are. From her role in a medical lab to her previous experience at a high-level trauma hospital, the Lock Haven resident has seen firsthand how donated blood can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why she doesn’t just talk about the importance of donating – she does it herself, every chance she gets.

“I love doing it!” she said. “It really means a lot to me to take time out of my day so I can potentially save a life.”

Wilson works in specimen processing and is attending school to become a physician associate. She knows how much work goes into blood donations behind the scenes, long before they reach the patient, and has experienced blood shortages firsthand.

“I’ve seen how not having the blood we need on hand affects patients,” she said. “There was a patient who needed blood desperately, but all the options were more than an hour away or needed to be flown in, even though the patient was actively dying. It really broke my heart knowing that such a simple thing – in the grand scheme of it – would be what really made one of the biggest impacts.”

Even in nonemergency situations, blood shortages can cause delays in care. Wilson has witnessed patients wait hours for the blood they need due to limited supply. She said it’s heartbreaking and takes a toll on health care workers as well.

“As a health care worker, it is in our nature to care for and be caring towards our patients,” Wilson said.  “Seeing our patients suffer longer than needed is really challenging for us and does a number on our mental health. Just knowing that something beyond our control is keeping our patients from lifesaving care, all you do is wish there was something you can do. Me donating blood is my way of taking part and trying to fix that.”

Wilson began donating blood in high school – at first, to get out of class – but now donates with the American Red Cross every chance she gets. She also encourages others to donate by explaining what happens after blood is given.

“A lot of people don’t see what happens after they donate,” she said. “By filling in the gaps, most people are more encouraged to donate.”

Donors can track their blood’s journey through the free Red Cross Blood Donor App (text BLOODAPP to 90999 or search “American Red Cross” in app stores). After donation, the blood is processed, screened for infectious diseases, tested for blood type and packaged for delivery to hospitals. Blood is shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just one blood donation can help save more than one life.

The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs lifesaving blood. Each donation helps ensure patients across the country have access to safe, lifesaving blood. To make an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).