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!