far more than just donating blood..
By Perla Cruz
EL CAJON CALIF.- On 19 of March 2025, Grossmont College welcomed the San Diego Blood Bank onto its campus grounds. A non-profit organization that has operated for seventy-five years in southern California. Offering ten donor centers remotely in San Diego County, Orange County, and Los Angeles County. This non-profit organization aids hospitals in offering chances to people who are currently hospitalized with severe to deadly medical conditions—primarily Rady’s Children’s Hospital.
Donating blood gives you the opportunity to recell your blood cells and lower your hematocrit, helping thin out your heart so it does not pump too much. Depending on your age, sex, and weight, the human body holds 37 trillion cells, 28 trillion for females, and 17 trillion for children. The Human body continuously regulates cells to sustain its functioning. Re-celling goes into a thorough process- it creates new cell structure, autolysosome, resulting in the process of new cellular components, gives a helping hand to the process of Autophagy, consisting of several steps to recycle cells that are overworking, and (wearing out) to keep the human body going.
Each donation saves 3 lives. For women, it happens every menstrual cycle meanwhile, men need to see the benefits of donating blood, hence the fact they don’t have the opportunity like women do. Men’s blood contains fewer antibodies that can aid immunocompromised systems, being more of an extra hand. It lowers blood pressure, aids those who exercise regularly, reduces stress levels, and advatages to live a healthy balanced life.
Mental Health Awareness Month is happening soon, from May 1st to the 31st. Influence yourself in a meaningful action that comes with various opportunities to reimagine what the human body can do. Already having great benefits by far in the topic of emotional health, and this opportunity (donating blood) aids in boosting your dopamine with the acknowledgement that you have done a great thing. Insisting focus on your studies, personal life, and anything you put your mind to. Head over to the donation center for a boost of hope that comes with dopamine.
The Blood Bank comes on campus every two weeks within every month with a different crew on board. Offering a variety of adequate skills for students, faculty staff, and those who are intrigued and taking the first steps to save lives. The blood bank continues to be successful and promotes collective gains for those who are invested, donating over one hundred twenty thousand units that can be used for different areas within the blood cells.
The next upcoming blood drives will be located in the Main Quad at Grossmont College on the 15th of April from 9 A.M. to 2:30 P.M. The following dates can be found at https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php#event-details/ebae9ced-fb8b-4d89-91cb-24ea9e5410b3 Contribute to Blood Donation Success!
Anthony Maluit, a Phlebotomist, has a goal to achieve twenty units for each blood drive. Hitting the mark not only advocates for blood donation success but also for achieving an accomplishment that saves three lives with each individual who donates; he views donating to be a good omen. “I often donate; it does have its benefits,” said Maluit.
The process of your mini health screening continues: entering and filling out forms with your information and checking your iron levels are aligned with the guideline to proceed any further. Poking your middle finger will indicate your access to continue donating. “If you have a nose piercing, it hurts less than that,” said Maluit. As I tried to step out of my comfort zone, I went ahead to venture the endless possibility of my health getting better. Unfortunately, I could not donate due to my iron levels being too low. If you experience a similar issue, to help increase your iron levels, consume Vitamin C and Iron-Rich foods. Consult your Doctor to find further underlying issues and be prescribed a dosage of medications needed. I got the opportunity to experience the process, and when I come back again, I won’t be as nervous as I was. I share my experience in hopes that others can be influenced.
Discover patients’ stories that have been helped, donations near you, and further information at https://sandiegobloodbank.org/donors/
