Yup it's that time of the year again. I post this reminder twice a year because I like to think that ordinary people can make a positive difference in the life and death experiences of absolute strangers. I confess that it is easier for me to use the worldwide visibility of a forum like the Fender Forum, but it is not a question of me beeing lazy, because I talk about blood donation often in my day to day activities.
I'm not working to convince people to do it because as I said in the past, it is not for everyone to donate. But for those who can, please do it when you're ready. The next donation will be easier to do. Blood banks need blood yearround and the supply is done by a handfull of regular people plus a lot of one shot guys/gals who want to "try it" for the sake of knowing what it feels like. Whatever is your incentive, let it lead you to a blood donation center someday because they need blood everyday.
Claude.

PS I wanted to write "don't read more if you don't feel to" in the title, but there is a limited number of letters allowed for the thread title. Anyway, you get the idea. Just reading the title might be enough to trigger a worldwide blood donation frenzy.

Very true. I'm probably going to line up soon when it comes around our church.

And its definitely not as scary for those who might do it their first time. Each time you go back it gets easier and easier too...

Good advice: Just remember to stay hydrated and drink lots of water the day before and the day of...

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(former user jimbo612)

Whole blood here, every two months like clockwork. I have AB+, second rarest, so I get called in for emergencies ("come in early") every once in a while. The finger poke is the most painful to me, the straw they put in my arm is no biggie.

They wouldn't let me the first time I wanted to due to having a piercing in the last 6 months, but since then I've been doing it whenever they roll through.

The way I see it is I would expect the hospital to give me blood if I needed it, but you can't expect that if you are not willing to give it yourself.

Why not give a live saving service when it has no effect on my life at all.

In fact I'm gonna go check when they are next in town....

We are lucky enough to have one permanent blood donation center in the town where I live. They have very sensitive equipment that can't be taken on the road with the mobile units. Because of that and partly because of my blood type (A+) they asked me to switch a few years ago from whole blood to platelets and serum donation, used for patients fighting cancer and patients who were severely burned. So if you can donate blood, please consider seriously an opportunity to save lives. Thanks.
Claude.

I always donate blood... Even though B+ is fairly common, (but not as common as O+ ) they always call me every 59 or 60 days, or however long it is to donate again.

{sort of a thread within a thread...}
I am also one of the Freemasons (i.e. you know... The Square, Compasses, and "G" symbol) and very active in my lodge. We always put on a terrific blood donation program. We have a free breakfast, open to anyone to come on in and donate, and we always get a great turnout.

My last donation a couple of weeks ago was number 52. I'm O+, not rare, but since the vast majority of blood recipients are also O+, there is always a need. Even up here in little ol' Grass Valley we have a permanent donation center which makes it pretty convenient. They give me a call when I become eligible again, we set up a time, I usually do it during my lunch hour, juice and snacks afterwards - what could be easier!




Thanks Claude, we can only hope

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Its just over a year until they start allowing me to do it, and I will.

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Rated "M" for meaty.

Even though I'm very squeamish around needles and feel faint at the site of blood,I used to give blood all the time when I found that I had a rare blood type.Just about every time I gave blood I got weak but I forced myslf to do it because I felt it was my moral duty especially where I have a rare blood type.

It only takes 1/2 hour and you quite literally may save someone's life.Unfortunately I can't donate any more because of some of the meds that I have to take and I have type 2 diabetes so someone is going to have to take my place...any takers?

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I'm O- so they love me. I urge everyone to donate. It's worth it just to get the free Oreo's and snacks. For those that donate regularly sign up for the RedCross racing. You get points based on what you donate. You can redeem your points at the end of the year for stuff. Or you can donate your points toward gift cards for the military.

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Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread with their experiences on blood donation. About one hundred people have read it over the weekend and my goal is reached for now. Expect to read another post like this one in another six months or so. Unless you go to the french forum where you can read it in french évidemment.

One last word about blood donation, as I always say, it is not for everyone. You have to be in near perfect health to be a donnor. It is just one way to help and to each one is own. Giving love, friendship or even just a few minutes to someone can also be very hard, but nonetheless can prove to be a lifesaver. Every day we can share a part of who we are and make a difference in the life of someone around us. See ya.
Claude.

Yup, donate. Lotsa folks need blood, every day.

Nuff said.