Alonso Frias learned his O-positive blood can be transfused to anyone with positive blood types and is always in high demand, leading to him donating blood platelets about twice a month for the last 15 years.
By Edgar Zuniga
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Communications Manager
Taylorsville, Utah, resident Alonso Frias has been generously donating blood through the American Red Cross for more than 15 years. In that time, he has given some 222 units, the equivalent to 27 gallons of blood.
Alonso began donating on a more regular basis a few years ago. But when he realized that his O-positive blood type can be transfused to anyone with positive blood types and is always in high demand, he began donating blood platelets about twice a month.
Blood and platelet donations are used to help save the lives of accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies, and more. “It’s an easy thing that we can do for each other,” Alonso says. “I donate blood because I get a sense of satisfaction that my donation is being used -- often. It’s a joy to know that I can help.”
A high level of commitment and generosity
That’s what it takes to donate 27 gallons of blood, and Alonso has also encouraged those close to him to donate. And he has taken some family members with him to donation sites. “I have taken one of my brothers, and he has given blood and platelets.,” he says. “I’ve also taken my wife and my eldest son.”
It’s especially beneficial when Latinos such as Alonso donate blood – that’s because the population has higher rates of valuable type O blood. O-positive blood can be transfused to patients with any positive blood type, while the rare O-negative blood type can be transfused to any patient, regardless of blood type. This can make the difference between life and death in emergency surgery when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type.
Most of the blood Alonso has donated has remained in Utah, but it has also helped patients in Idaho, Colorado, and Washington state. He knows this because the Red Cross blood donor app informs donors where their blood products are used, and it’s also the easiest way to sign up to donate (see below).
The experience may surprise you
“It’s actually kind of fun,” is what Alonso says about blood donation. “I get to watch a movie, and I usually recognize a couple of donors I can talk to,” he laughs. “The staff at the donation center knows me by name.” Every now and then Alonso even brings them donuts, “because the staff is doing awesome work. They are so good at it, it’s almost painless for me.”
Alonso donates regularly at the Murray blood center in Salt Lake and at his job’s annual Red Cross blood drive. He is so appreciated at the blood center that his name is listed on a plaque of regular donors that sits on the entryway counter. “If we don’t help each other out,” says Alonso, “no one else will.” That’s why.
The ABCs of giving blood
A.) Arrive at the blood center (or blood drive)
B.) Answer health history questions
C.) Undergo a health screening to check blood pressure, hemoglobin, and pulse
D.) Sit down, relax, and let the staff do the rest
The process, door to door, usually takes less than an hour for blood donation and about two hours for platelet donation.
Do you know your blood donation stats? Check and see
Become a blood donor now
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
