Giving the Gift of Life: One Employee's Story

Summer brings one of the highest demands for blood products, and yet, it is the hardest time of year to keep the blood supply steady. Schools are out, regular donors are on vacation, and college blood drives pause until August. The Blood Connection, Carilion’s blood services partner, is asking donors to think one step ahead—schedule an appointment now and help make sure the supply is ready for whatever the season brings.

Jamie Landes-Hypes, Director in HR Education and Organizational Development, is reminding others that sometimes being generous requires some forethought and coordination. Vacations and schedules can get hectic in the summer months, but Carilion offers drives frequently, at various locations, to maximize the opportunities to give. Jamie first gave blood in high school and has given over six gallons of blood to date. She serves as a drive coordinator for the Carilion Talent Development Center – Tanglewood location.

“Giving blood is a quick and easy way to do something meaningful,” she said. “Being a blood donor takes so little time and has so many positive benefits. There's really not a downside to it."

When Jamie started donating blood, she had no idea the importance it would play later in her life. She learned during her pregnancy with her second child that she had blood incompatibility (a disease where a mother’s blood develops antibodies to the baby’s blood), which caused her blood to attack her son Jude's red blood cells. The result was fetal anemia.

Our maternal fetal team monitored Jude’s anemia through ultrasound; when it reached certain levels, Jamie traveled to the University of Baltimore Medical Center, where Jude received four in-utero blood transfusions prior to his birth at 32 weeks.

Jude will start high school in the fall, thanks to blood donors like his mom.

“When he needed it most, blood was available thanks to others seeking to do a good deed,” said Jamie. “You can’t buy blood; we each possess (and can give) something that truly can mean life or death to someone else. The important thing is just to donate, so blood is available for whoever needs it in a moment’s notice.”

Donating blood can help people in countless ways, including those injured in car accidents, fighting cancer, or dealing with situations like Jamie’s.

Overcoming Your Fears 

Many people are reluctant to make their first blood donation, but once they do, they find the process to be easy and gratifying. If you're unsure, there are some valuable tips to help alleviate your concerns. 

• I don’t like needles. Most people don’t. Remember, trained professionals are taking your blood and the process can be fast. Focus on the good you are doing and prepare ahead of time by getting a good night of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating balanced meals to help your experience be quick and smooth. 
• I’m not sure I’m eligible. There’s a very good chance you are. For most donations, you should have good health or generally feel well, even if you’re being treated for a chronic condition; you'll also need to be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds. 
• I don't know if it is safe to donate. Donating blood is safe. You can’t get any infectious diseases from giving blood because new, sterile needles are used and discarded after one use. You’re also given a mini-physical at your appointment to make sure you are healthy enough to donate that day. 
• I’m afraid I will faint. Most donors feel fine after donating blood, but if you do feel faint or fatigued, simply lie down until you feel better. 

For more information, visit The Blood Connection website. Ready to donate—sign up (or drop in) to any of Carilion’s upcoming drives.  

* Source: Summer's Hidden Challenge: The Critical Need for Blood Donations - America's Blood Centers 

Tell us why you give blood, or how you overcame your concerns to give blood for the first time. Leave a comment below.