Giving Blood?

[Crossfire]

Just wondered who was planning to give blood this weekend. A big chunk of our blood supply has gone to the central Texas area hospitals caring for the Ft Hood wounded. That leaves local supplies a bit light.

I already have an appontment for today. I hope many of you will consider doing the same.

[Vic303]

I would, but I can never find the mobile van, as we don't have a permanent donation site in McK. Plus what do I do with 3 little kids for the 1hr+ usually takes to donate?

[Dan20703]

I'm in the commit for life program and donate once a quarter. My next due date is Nov 21st.
Everyone that is capable should donate.

[Purplehood]

Just did a few weeks ago at work.

[dicion]

I just did about 2 months ago. They take double reds from me usually, do the quarterly thing as well.
They make sure to call and let me know as soon as I'm eligible again! Guess it's because they like my blood type
Unfortunately, with my recent surgery, I think I'm not eligible for another year now

I'll have to re-read the donation rules to verify, but I'm pretty sure surgery (and tattoos) kick you out for a year.

They have that 'point system' for redemption for gifts and prizes and stuff. Sort of makes me angry sometimes that they have to bribe people with that in order to donate. I usually just give the points back.
I'm just in it for the cookies and juice!

EDIT: Woohoo! Apparently I was incorrect!

Major surgery performed in hospital/surgery clinic (no blood used) ------ You can donate if you have resumed normal activities

[Crossfire]

Points? All I ever got was a t-shirt! And the Nutter Butters. It's all about the Nutter Butters.

[KC5AV]

Points? All I ever got was a t-shirt! And the Nutter Butters. It's all about the Nutter Butters.

Working at a hospital, we usually have the blood-mobile pay us a visit on a regular basis. I did the double red last time, so I won't be eligible to give until some time next month.

[chabouk]

I wish I could, but they won't take my blood. I was stationed in Europe for three years in the 1980s, so I might have mad cow disease.

[Kevinf2349]

I wish I could, but they won't take my blood. I was stationed in Europe for three years in the 1980s, so I might have mad cow disease.

They won't take mine either...something about not wanting CJD over here.....oh wait a minute it is already!....but still they insist that I am a mad cow carrier for some reason. One roast beef and Yorkshore pudding too many maybe?

I used to give blood every 6 months in Blighty with no issues whatsoever.

[jimlongley]

Stuffed in a drawer somewhere I have a four gallon pin from the Red Cross, which doesn't count a bunch of times that didn't make the list, but one bout of Shingles and they won't take my blood anymore.

[randomoutburst]

My hubby and I can't give blood because we went overseas in August. :(

[ELB]

They take mine, and I was in Africa, Europe and Iraq up until 4 years ago.

The rules vary depending on the organization taking the blood, (e.g. Southwest Blood and Tissue has somewhat different rules than Am Red Cross), but basically if you lived in Europe a cumulative five years from about 1980 to early 90s, they don't want your blood because of the risk of CJD. The Blood Center of Central Texas rules say if you were on an American military base in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and a few other countries for 6 months or more during approximately the same time frame, they don't want your blood. There are different time frames and lengths of stay for the UK, but roughly in the same period of time. I had two long tours, more than 6 years, in Germany during that time frame, with visits to the UK, so I get knocked out a couple different ways. These rules were not in place when I first came back in the 90s, and I donated regularly until 2000-something, but the rules got more stringent over time.

However, as I said, each blood collecting organization sets its own rules, so check with whoever you are going to for the specifics.

I wish I could donate again, but participation in Uncle Sam's international travel program trips me up.

[C-dub]

For all those wishing to donate in the DFW area or Waco, please go to any Carter BloodCare donor center or drive. CBC is the primary blood center for most of the hospitals in the Temple/Killeen area and distributes their blood from their Waco distribution center.

Most of the Red Cross blood gets distributed elsewhere around the country and they are not the primary providers to that area. The Red Cross is taking advantage of this crisis to boost donations for other areas across the country. Other blood centers will send blood if requested, but that request will likely come from Carter BloodCare if they are unable to fill the needs of the hospitals that need it for these soldiers.

[Crossfire]

Carter Blood announced on radio today that they have replenished the local supply with walk-in donors, and do not have a need for any more donors at this time.

I actually did NOT donate today, even though I had a previously scheduled appointment. The wait was forever long, and I give platelets, so it would have been hours. I rescheduled for Thanksgiving week. Seemed appropriate.

Thanks to ALL who went out today! Just another fine example of how we come together when the need is there.