Blood Donation

[JEBar]

I have a phobia about needles .... in an attempt to get over it ( back in the 70's and 80's ) I donated over 10 gallons of blood .... none of those donations can be found in today's Red Cross computer system .... a month or so we received an email from the Red Cross in which they addressed a need for donations .... Maureen and I decided to donate and I went on line to make an appointment .... are scheduling a confirmed appointment for noon today, I tried to make one for the same time for Maureen .... because we both use the same email address the Red Cross's computer system would make the appointment .... a phone call took care of that .... shortly before noon today we arrived at the place in town where they were setup .... all of the new social distancing, mask, gloves and such were very much in evidence .... Maureen had no problem donating but required some care afterward .... they tried to get blood out of my left arm but couldn't .... no surprise .... they were able to get it out of my right .... as noted, its been many years since we last donated .... down the line hope to be able to do so again

[norty]

I have been donating every 2 months since I was in the Air Force in the 60's. Good experiences and glad you and Maureen got back into it!

[avvidclif]

Last time I donated was in the late 70's. I had a reaction and was informed unless I wanted to end up in the hospital do not donate again. This occurred at a hospital not a mobile collection facility so I took them at their word.

[Bkins]

I’ve tried to donate in the past but because of a lifelong medical condition they won’t take my blood. Good for both of you for being able to do so, and doing it.

[archbarb]

We also donate. Have been for awhile.

[wingnut60]

I was up past 13 gallons in my younger days--tried to donate again about 10 years ago and nearly passed out. No more for me...was always at a Red Cross center but later it seemed to turn commercial in their approach.

[JEBar]

I'm setup for another donation this afternoon .... Maureen had a tough time at her last donation, consequently she's done .... I understand that there is a critical need for blood donations but I must admit I'm getting a bit frustrated with incessant hounding by the Red Cross .... I scheduled this appointment a couple of months ago and still get almost daily emails and now text messages on my flip phone .... example : I understand their need to have reservations confirmed but to get and answer an email 2 days ago asking me to confirm that I will be there and get a text less than 48 hours later asking the same thing is a bit much .... since making today's reservation I've had a dozen or so emails wanting me to schedule another appointment between then and now .... aggravating

[archbarb]

For the past year or so, we donate at "The Big Red Bus". It parks at the local Walmart in town. They are based in Florida and service parts of SE. Georgia where we are. We each give blood and each of us gets a $10.00 gift card to WallyWorld. Might as well get something for the effort.

[JEBar]

just got back from donating .... as usual, the first stick didn't work so they had to go find the person who knows what she's doing to stick the other arm .... 3 bandages later, its over once again

[JEBar]

just got home from donating my 95th pint of blood .... can't help but wonder if/when I'll get to 100

[norty]

I'm scheduled next week. That's where I get most of my T shirts!

[JEBar]

guess I'm going to the wrong place .... No T-shirt

[RBT]

I have a bunch of "One Blood" shirts from Florida.. They also include a $20 or $25 gift certificate to various stores and resturants. I am now set up for a September 15th donation here in Indiana. Apparently there is a shortage. .

[JEBar]

after donating 12 gallons of blood to the Red Cross, I'm done .... OK, its never wise to say never but I can't see doing it again .... the remnants of my attempt to donate earlier this week can be seen below and bruising will be with me for a while