Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Local Red Cross expert shares real-life impact of blood donations + how you can help
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Behind the scenes of the American Red Cross, there are scientists, technicians and volunteers working around the clock to deliver life-saving units of blood to patients across the country. These are the people helping patients and their families get more time together when a medical emergency strikes.
The Birmingham Blood and Platelet Donation Center is one of two fixed donation locations in Alabama, but it also serves as Red Cross’s only Immunohematology Reference Lab (IRL) servicing North and Central Alabama.
The IRL is responsible for testing blood units for antigens and antibodies, checking the compatibility of donated blood with specific patient needs.
Kim Whitman, Biomedical Supervisor at the Birmingham Blood and Platelet Donation Center, gave us an inside look at the IRL and provided some personal context for just how vital the lab’s work is for Alabamians.
Kim’s work at the Red Cross hits close to home
For Kim, going to work means more than contributing to the greater good. Her husband Ronnie needs regular treatments of specific blood products after a surgery caused him to develop gastroparesis, a condition affecting the body’s ability to properly digest food.
Ronnie also has type O negative blood, meaning he can only receive the same, very rare, blood type. When he first became sick about 20 years ago, the Whitmans were faced with a scary reality: The rarity of Ronnie’s blood needs coupled with the limited supply of O negative meant he couldn’t get the treatment he needed as soon as he needed it.
Kim’s passion for her work is emphasized by her family’s experience. She shares Ronnie’s story to inspire people to give blood, and to thank people who have already made the decision to donate.
“[Donors] feel good about what they’ve done because it’s huge. They are the heroes.”
Kim Whitman, Biomedical Supervisor, Birmingham Blood and Platelet Donation Center
Ronnie’s story is an example of how specialized some patients’ needs can be. He will need treatments for the rest of his life, and many patients just like him rely on the work of the IRL.
Lives are changed through blood donations—how to help
The IRL right here in Birmingham is helping patients like Ronnie all day, every day. A majority of the blood processed here is for patients with sickle cell disease.
According to the CDC, the number of sickle cell-affected newborns in Alabama is one of the highest in the U.S. making the work of the IRL vital for many Alabamians.
You may be wondering how much blood is processed through the IRL in Birmingham, so let’s dive into some numbers. Birmingham’s Blood and Platelet Donation Center and IRL:
- runs more than 2,500 antigen tests per month
- distributes between 650-900 antigen negative units per month
- performs about 80-100 complex serological investigations monthly (these are special requests from local hospitals)
Do you think you’re ineligible to donate because of tattoos, piercings or medicines you take? Read about these common misconceptions about blood donation and get expert advice.
Now is the time to donate blood
Earlier this summer, the American Red Cross declared its second-ever national blood crisis, meaning hospital needs exceeded supply.
If you have ever thought about giving blood, now is the time. Appointments take about an hour and you never know who will benefit from your donation.
Here are three easy steps to take for becoming a blood donor:
- Learn if you are eligible to donate
- Find a donation location near you + make an appointment
- Day of your appointment, complete RapidPass online questions to make your visit even quicker
Are you ready to save lives? Make an appointment to donate blood or plasma today at a Red Cross donation location near you.
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