Why is it useful to donate blood? 5 donation bonuses

Before a person enters a special room for donating blood and its components, he goes through the so-called donor path. The first stop is the medical facility reception. There you need to fill out documents and fill out a health questionnaire. The questions concern various aspects: from vaccinations and surgical interventions to diabetes mellitus and a history of cancer

Next, the potential donor is examined by a transfusiologist: he measures blood pressure and takes blood from a finger to determine its group, hemoglobin levels, Rh and Kell factors. Only after such an examination a person is given permission to donate, although the check does not end there. After donation – this is what the blood donation procedure is officially called – samples of the material are examined , including for the presence of infectious agents.

So if you haven’t done a check-up for a long time, this is a free opportunity to detect any signs of health problems, for example, high blood pressure or low hemoglobin.

2. Donation Likely Reduces Cardiovascular Risks

A 2015 study found that those who donate blood annually have a 7.5% reduced risk of overall mortality. Then experts were unable to determine the exact reasons that influence these numbers. However, a number of other scientific works have found some relationship between donation and the state of the cardiovascular system. For example, in 2019, Dutch doctors examined the data of 160 thousand donors and found that women who frequently donated blood had a reduced risk of heart disease.

Experts also note the positive impact of donation on the fight against hypertension. True, the point here is not in physiology, but in information. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. And since the indicators are measured before donating blood, it is easy to catch alarm bells and seek help in time.

3. Altruism is good for mental health

Volunteering in general reduces stress and helps fight depression and anxiety. And donation is not just an act of goodwill. Blood is needed during major operations; it is transfused to women in labor, patients with cancer, victims of disasters and terrorist attacks. More than one and a half million Russians need transfusions every year, and one donation can save three lives.

Thus, a recent survey showed that 64% of donors across the country donated blood specifically to help others, and only 15% for monetary compensation. People who come to medical institutions regularly understand that their little “sacrifice” will definitely be meaningful, and may experience a moral uplift from this.

4. Donation encourages people to lead a healthy lifestyle

According to some data , donors live on average five years longer. Experts attribute this to lifestyle. Even a one-time donation requires preparation. For example, it is recommended to give up alcohol consumption two days before and fried, spicy and smoked foods one day before. When such practices become a habit, the body’s health indicators improve.

Let’s say that a balanced diet has a beneficial effect on the immune system and reduces the risks of developing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. When combined with moderate physical activity, which is often recommended for donors, a proper diet also helps prevent type 2 diabetes. And giving up alcohol and other bad habits supports the health of the liver, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.

5. Donors receive payments and days off.

For each donation a person is entitled to :

• money for food in the amount of 5% of the cost of living in the region;
• two days off – on the day of donation and any other day within a year after donation.

In some cities, local authorities provide additional social support to donors. Let’s say in Moscow they pay extra from 4,080 to 6,000 rubles for a one-time donation. That is, in the capital, even gratuitous donation is not free.

An annual cash payment is due to all honorary donors of Russia. In 2024 it is 17,324 rubles. The title can be obtained if you donate for free:

• whole blood – 40 or more times;
• plasma – 60 or more times;
• whole blood and plasma – 40 times, but so that there are at least 25 whole blood donations;
• whole blood and plasma – 60 times, if there were less than 25 whole blood donations.

In order not to harm their health, the donor must maintain intervals between procedures. Whole blood can be donated once every two months, but no more than five times a year for men and four for women. Plasma and platelets can be donated once every two weeks.