Blood donation benefits more than just those who receive blood. Donating blood is advantageous for the giver as well.

Personal and health benefits include:

• Free health screening. Every time you give blood, your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and iron level are checked.
• Reduced risk of heart disease. Some doctors and scientists believe that giving blood may prevent heart disease. Although still under investigation, numerous physicians have noted that blood donors typically have fewer cases of heart disease than non-donors. Dr. Harvey Klein, in an USA Today article, speculates that giving blood regularly reduces the amount of iron in the bloodstream. While iron is an important element and necessary for human life, too much iron may actually damage the heart and circulatory system. Dr. Klein and others believe that reducing blood iron through regular blood donation is a healthy way to potentially lower your risk of heart disease. Other studies have shown excessive iron levels cause oxidation of cholesterol. The product of this oxidation is deposited on the walls of arteries, increasing the chances of heart attack and strokes.
• Boosts the production of red blood cells. Donation of blood reduces the number of red blood cells in the blood. The bone marrow immediately replenishes the lost cells. As a result, the blood of a donor is refreshed every time they donate because of the increased production of new blood cells.
• Psychological Advantage. Acts of altruism make you feel good! Giving feels great, especially when you understand that one hour of your time and one pint of blood can make such a difference.