Giving Blood Is Good For Your Health

WHAT:  Many know that donating blood saves lives, but the life you save just may be your own.

“Excessive iron is believed to contribute to heart disease and donating blood reduces the iron stores in the body,” said Ivan Pacold, MD, chair, Cardiology Department, Loyola’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital. “Plus you get a mini-assessment each time you give blood to reinforce wellness."

Hospital staff at Loyola’s Gottlieb Memorial Hospital are rolling up their sleeves and donating blood in an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Sept. 28.

“Blood can only be obtained through human donation; there is no synthetic substitute for blood,” Pacold said. “One pint of blood can help up to three people in need; four if you include the donor.” An American Medical Association study reports that giving blood every six months led to fewer heart attacks and strokes in participants ages 43 to 61. Each donor has their temperature taken, pulse checked, blood pressure and blood count measured.

WHO:  Nurses, technicians, phlebotomists, physicians and more who care for patients around-the-clock at Loyola University Health System are also voluntarily donating their own blood to help those in need.

WHEN:  9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28

WHERE:  Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, 701 W. North Ave. Melrose Park, Ill.

MEDIA:  Please call Stasia Thompson at (708) 417-5036

WHY: Capture nurses, doctors and hospital staff donating blood to help others.

Talk to medical staff about why they give.

Learn about changes in blood donation rules including newer Illinois tattoo laws.