Dr. Jonathan Rich, D.O., Discusses the Health Benefits of Giving Blood

January is National Blood Donor Month. Not only does blood donation save lives, it’s good for those who donate as well.

According to Mercy Medical Center primary care physician Dr. Jonathan Rich, D.O.,  there is a screening done during blood donation in which the donor may be alerted to an unknown health issue. Plus, donation can have psychological benefits for donors, knowing they did a good deed, because blood truly is one-of-a-kind.

"As of yet, we don’t have a way to give someone synthetic blood, so we need the blood transfusions from donors, and it can be lifesaving for individuals," Dr. Rich said.

A medical condition that benefits the donor during blood donation is called hemochromatosis. It’s a genetic disorder where a person has too much blood, so donating blood treats the person’s own condition.

To view Mercy primary care specialist Dr. Jonathan Rich, D.O.’s interview regarding the health benefits of donating blood, click here.