please help if you can!

a blood mobile comes to our town 4 times a year. i go every time, and i really think it's a shame that more people don't bother to help out! yesterday, i went and donated blood and overheard a couple staff members saying that they had about 100 donations for the day. that's it! for a town of 5,000!!! i read an article a while back (just tried looking but can't find it) that said since, the red cross raised the eligibility standards, only 1/3 of the US population is able to give blood. and of those, an even smaller percentage actually does... can't remember exactly what it was... that's why i tried finding the article.

one advantage to donating is that they test EVERY donation for a whole bunch of diseases... HIV/AIDS for example... so many people are afraid to go get tested for it... whether it's because of money or embarrasement, here's your answer! it's free, and automatic! they will call and let you know if your blood isn't usable for any reason.

if you're worried about the needles or pain, don't be! really, all you feel is a little pinch. that's it! and it's so worth it when you think of the people who's lives you could be saving just by taking a half hour out of your day a few times a year! and what if you need blood one day? you never know...

sorry if i sound preachy... just something i felt should be said... just think about it!

I agree, I go whenever I can. The pain is very minimal. If you've had earrings put in or tattoos done, this is a snap. Best of all...free cookies!

omg!!! the volunteers baked fresh cookies and there was an apple sauce cookie with cinnimon (sp) icing... SO AWESOME!!!

I would, but I'm anemic and kinda need all the blood I've got. I tried to give blood one time, wound up unconscious, then wound up at the hospital. Even simple blood tests are a hassle. No more than 2 viles of blood can be taken before I go to lala land. I have absolutely no immune system (well, its weak anyway) and my body temp stays at about 96.3-96.5 degrees in the summer.....95.7-95.9 in the winter. I can't keep a tan to save my life, and I have the energy of an overworked 45 yr old. Fun stuff.

Glad you can do it though, that's awesome :)

i pass out when i give blood. i hate doing it. plus im a smoker so they probably dont want my blood.

i live in canada... and they don't want my blood. it takes me a long time before i can get up after i give it. i have no problem, i'd love to give it, but they told me not to bother coming back.

i do hope my kids will give blood when they are older though.

Our youngest son's school does a program called "Pint Sized Heroes" where they explain to the young kids why it's important to give blood and encourage them to encourage their parents. Then they do a blood donor clinic right at the school and provide a play area for the kids while the parents give blood. Mike and I are both signed up to donate.

Oh and it doesn't hurt that the kidlets get a free and very cool looking Pint Sized Heroes lunch box! LOL

oh what a great idea!!!

my high school used to have blood drives every 4-6 months and i would always try and give blood. but they always turn me down. wether it's cause i got a tattoo in the past 6 months or because my iron is low. something always gets in the way.

wow kobi... i'm amazed they let an anemic person donate! you would think they'd know better! and jo, that's a very cool way to encourage the kids!