The gift of blood

#1 Postby **janswizard** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:06 pm

Several times a year, my employer allows the Red Cross to park their travel van in the parking lot so that employees can donate blood. Since I have a fear of needles, I've never donated although most of the people who work there are willing to.

I just read on CNN's website that Great Britian has just announced that two people there have died from mad-cow disease and it's believe it was transferred via a blood tranfusion. The article went on to say that for the last several years, Great Britian imports there blood and blood products from the United States.

I thought that was interesting. It makes me wonder, though, why they import their blood. And when US citizens donate, are they aware it is being shipped overseas when the Red Cross is always complaining they are in short supply?

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/conditio ... index.html

Lindaloo · #2 Postby **Lindaloo** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:13 pm

Blood drive going on here on the MS Coast this week. They always send me a card to donate when there is a drive. I am RH Negative so they always demand mine. I am not able to go this time though. I have been sick.

#3 Postby **Stephanie** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:23 pm

My employer usually has a blood drive once a year too - though the Red Cross uses one of our meeting rooms. I try to make sure that give blood when they have it. I'm A+.

Personally, I don't care if it's shipped over seas - it's being used by someone that needs it.

StormCrazyIowan · #4 Postby **StormCrazyIowan** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:31 pm

I don't even know my blood type, I am very squeamish and don't know if I could donate....I need to grow up! :cry:

#5 Postby **janswizard** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:38 pm

Stephanie, I didn't mean to make it sound like there was something wrong with it being sent overseas. I agree, if it can help someone, that's fine and good. I just thought it was weird that the Red Cross is always doing all these drives because blood is supposedly in short supply - especially around holidays - and then to hear it's being sent overseas.

#6 Postby **Stephanie** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:40 pm

janswizard wrote:Stephanie, I didn't mean to make it sound like there was something wrong with it being sent overseas. I agree, if it can help someone, that's fine and good. I just thought it was weird that the Red Cross is always doing all these drives because blood is supposedly in short supply - especially around holidays - and then to hear it's being sent overseas.

Actually, I didn't know that it was happening until you posted it. I was alittle surprised, but like I said, as long as it's going to someone that needs it, then that's fine for me. :wink:

mf_dolphin · #7 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:49 pm

There are a lot of private blood banks beside the American Red Cross. Most of the others are "for profit" and sell their products. I saw no mention of the Red Cross in the CNN article.. :-)

Guest · #8 Postby **Guest** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:51 pm

Donating blood is truly giving the gift of life. When you donate blood, you may be saving the life of a premature baby, an accident victim, a cancer patient, military personel, or someone undergoing surgery. Donating blood is a safe process where all necessary safety precautions are taken. It doesn't hurt. My advice, don't watch and you'll be just fine. Just knowing that you have the power to save someone's life is reason enough to do it. Not sure where to donate or want more info? Call 1-800-Give-Life. And give someone the gift of life this holiday season.

#9 Postby **janswizard** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:55 pm

You're right, Marshall. I didn't see reference to the Red Cross, either. It was just an assumption on my part since they are probably the most prominent agency and the one that most often asks for donations.

mf_dolphin · #10 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 9:59 pm

There's actually an American Association of Blood Banks so there must be a bunch of them LOL

blizzard · #11 Postby **blizzard** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 10:08 pm

One pint of blood can save up to eight lives I have read somewhere. At least I think it was eight. I can't find those stats right now, but they were credible stats. There are platelets, Red & White cells Plasma, and other things that blood can be used for. Amazing facts about blood donations. I give every chance I get. I just became a one gallon donor last month.

Start here to learn more about giving blood
http://www.redcross.org/donate/give/

TLC · #12 Postby **TLC** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 9:23 am

In January 2003 , I had to have 4 pints of blood because of a bleeding ulcer.....words can't express my gratitude to those who give. It truly is a wonderful gift to give this time of year. Thanks to those who donate...its the greatest blessing ~ Tracy

Guest · #13 Postby **Guest** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 11:40 am

I give every chance I get. I just became a one gallon donor last month.

Awesome Blizzard!

ColdFront77 · #14 Postby **ColdFront77** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 4:36 am

StormCrazyIowan wrote:I don't even know my blood type, I am very squeamish and don't know if I could donate....I need to grow up!

I don't know what my blood type is off hand, either. I am also very squeamish and being as underweight as I am, I cannot donate if I wanted to.

I wholeheartedly understand that giving blood is truly giving a life, but when you aren't comfortable with something that doesn't mean you aren't a caring person.

#15 Postby **azskyman** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 8:23 am

In my younger years, I gave blood about every six months. Made the "gallon club" before my veins decided to do a disappearing act and the blood bank got squeamish over trying to find where I was hiding it.

After a few times of them trying to find a donor vein in each arm and then sending me home...I decided I'd stop the regular process of donating blood.

I'm a B-positive.

I'd still be doing it...it is painless, a great gesture, and so very much appreciated.

#16 Postby **Stephanie** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 10:18 am

ColdFront77 wrote:
StormCrazyIowan wrote:I don't even know my blood type, I am very squeamish and don't know if I could donate....I need to grow up!

I don't know what my blood type is off hand, either. I am also very squeamish and being as underweight as I am, I cannot donate if I wanted to.

I wholeheartedly understand that giving blood is truly giving a life, but when you aren't comfortable with something that doesn't mean you aren't a caring person.

Exactly Tom! People give back to society in so many other ways.

azsnowman · #17 Postby **azsnowman** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 11:04 am

I hit the 2 gallon donor goal, then my @#$@$%^# back gave out, I'm takin' TOO many pain meds, muscle relaxers etc, that there ain't NO WAY I can give anymore....a bummer indeed, I enjoyed giving, plus I always felt better physically after giving.

Dennis

WXBUFFJIM · #18 Postby **WXBUFFJIM** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 11:14 am

I remember the days of blood drives. I gave blood during my senior year in high school. I remember giving blood with my left arm and drinking a coke with my right and just relaxing like it was nothing but a typical day. It was a great day I think. I'm not so afraid to give blood maybe once or twice a year. Even if it just helps out one person with my same blood type, that's satisfying enough.

Jim

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