Those who want to give a little of themselves to help others might want to consider giving blood. It's safe and takes very little of your time.

"All the needles, bags, and tubing used for donating blood are sterile, disposable, and used only once. There's absolutely no risk of contracting AIDS or hepatitis by donating blood," says Dr. Ronald Strauss, professor of pathology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and a staff physician at UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Blood donors of all blood types are always needed. "Most patients have type O and type A, the two most common. They are needed most often. Even though you have a common blood type that is shared by many blood donors, don't think that there is an ample supply and that yours isn't needed. Unusual blood types are also greatly needed. The number of people with unusual blood types such as AB is small, so there aren't many donors," Strauss explains.

It takes about 30 minutes to give a unit of whole blood. Only five to ten minutes of that time is used for actually inserting the needle and drawing the blood. The rest of the time you'll spend doing the following:

When you arrive at the donation site, you will be asked to read materials about high risk donor groups--those who should not donate blood because they may transmit hepatitis or the AIDS virus. Then, someone will sit down and go over the information with you to see if you have any questions. "We make sure that people who are in a high risk group, such as intravenous drug abusers, realize that they should not give blood," Strauss says.

You will then be asked a series of questions concerning your general health. If you have any medical problems you may be given a brief physical examination, he adds. "Almost anyone who has a chronic illness such as diabetes or epilepsy can give blood as long as the condition is under control and the medications the person is taking are ones that we can allow. Almost all medications are permitted," he says.

During the brief recovery period--about 10 minutes--after the blood has been drawn, you will be under the close supervision of a nurse or technician, who will offer you refreshments.

"Anyone over age 17 who is in good health may donate blood. However, most blood banks have a policy that requires a medical evaluation for donors over age 65," Strauss explains. You can donate blood four times a year. "When you give blood, you lose a certain number of red blood cells. The body's bone marrow needs time to replenish those cells," Strauss says. You can donate special products such as platelets or plasma more often because the red blood cells are returned to the donor, he adds.

Strauss stresses the importance of public awareness about the safety of giving blood and receiving blood transfusions. Before a transfusion, the donated blood is tested for infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. "People in the medical profession are very aware of the risks involved and are making every effort to make it as safe as possible," he adds.

If you have questions or would like to give blood, contact your local blood bank or the American Red Cross.