The country has been in a low-blood crisis probably for over a year (or 3), but now all of the sudden everyone feels like giving.....

Just thought it was funny that they blood collection centers are TOO BUSY now because no one could bother giving until something big happened!

It is nice that they stepped up, but why not give every 8 weeks, then they don't need to pat themselves on the back about how they helped out.

(patting myself...i gave on friday which was before the attack, so I cannot give again until sometime in November -23pints...1 more for 3 gallons).


Scot

 

Maybe it's because more and more people have found out how much the Red Cross marks up and profits from your gift.

 

Where else can you give blood? (no profit involved)

I am not too concerned about who makes what, but more about giving my un-needed blood to someone who needs it.

 

Most local hospitals have a specific day of the week that they take blood donations. I would check with them first. I give blood at least 3-4 times a year and am glad to do it (free OJ and cookies)

 

So exactly what is your suggestion? I do not think any of us that give blood regularly worry about the financial structure of the collection / distribution organizations.. we are simply trying to make a contribution.

I find your cynical comment negative and counter productive. If you have a better idea please put it forward.

 

well at least there are a few of us who give regularly and not just in a crisis.

They were turning many many people away here due to having too many on the gurneys..... If they had been spread out better everyone could have given.

Hey Jim...I wonder what the street value of my blood is.

Scot

 

The first time I donated blood I ended up fainting, falling over, and smacking my head on a chair. The Red Cross nurse was stunned when I showed up a few months later to donate again. "We thought we'd [b]never[b] see you in here again!"

That was many years ago and I donate as often as I can: I'm up to two gallons now.

My wife and I were already scheduled to donate this Saturday, well before Tuesday's tragedy.

Please don't concern yourself about the financial issues; please donate blood as often as you can.

 

The Red Cross is a non-profit charity. That money that they make goes to help other charities. So you're not only helping by giving someone your blood, you're also allowing the Red Cross to be there when a disaster strikes somewhere in the world.

I bet if a tornado hit your neighborhood you wouldn't be complaining if the Red Cross was there to feed and house your family using the profit they made off of people's blood donations.

Mark

 

I too attempted to give blood, first through local hospitals (which is still through the Red Cross, generally BTW) despite my distaste for the profit margin. Turns out that widespread turnout meant I wasn't needed. I don't understand though, why a national crisis requires the suspension of truth or criticism. Patriotism doesn't benefit from mindless following. Here are four facts for you to consider:

1. There is big markup on blood sold by the Red Cross.
2. The Red Cross has the largest cash reserves (disaster fund $$ and blood profits) of any charity in the country but continues to solicit funds as if they are running out during every disaster, big or small.)
3. First Aid/CPR training is another activity with a huge profit margin.
4. Red Cross activities during disasters are overwhelmingly staffed by non-paid workers. Mostly, these activities are of the coffee, donuts and blankets variety. Pick a disaster and ask them what their total out of pocket costs were. You'll never find out what the disaster-by-disaster profit was.

So who's cynical?

I don't know of any other charities that benefit from Red Cross funds. And don't get me started about telethons either. Over 95% of the MD telethon contributions are raised before the telethon even starts. The telethon exists as an advertising gig for the donors. Telethon overhead is among the highest of any fundraising activity. United Way? For years (and continuing) the well-known big charities have conspired to keep the little guys out or under-funded. The behavior of local branches of some of the most well-known charities in the country has been scandelous.

If you give the hard way -- by finding a direct provider of good works in your community and sending a check -- you'll ensure that your gift actually does some good. You'll also ensure that the good works are something you believe in. For disaster relief, I'd suggest you pick out a particular volunteer rescue squad and send a check. These guys are the ones out in the rubble.

There is no shortage of charities for you to investigate and donate to. There is no shortage of good work done by charities. But, many of the ones who have the best marketing need your contribution the least.

That said, all who gave blood deserve to be commended.

But do the work. America's charitable sector is strengthened by everyone's willingness to learn about it.

 

Just wanted to point out that, if you wanted to give blood and weren't able to, blood must be used within 5 weeks, so a new round of donors will be required at that time. (People who just donated must wait 8 weeks to donate again.)

cal