IMPORTANCE OF DONATING BLOOD 1

Abstract

Donating blood is beneficial for both donors and recipients in many ways. This paper goes into

detail on the physical and psychological benefits of being a blood donor, as well as the different

types of donations. It was discovered that donating blood reduces the risk of heart disease by

reducing bad cholesterol levels, lowering blood viscosity, and reducing iron levels.

Psychological effects of donating blood were improved mental wellbeing and stress reduction,

sense of belonging and purpose. The more people that donate blood, the more availability of

blood there is, which can save lives when extreme bleeding occurs. Blood donations are

important because there is currently a shortage of blood due to the extreme weather that has been

occurring this winter, and the benefits listed may provide an incentive for people to go out and

donate blood.

Keywords: blood donations, health benefits, heart disease