Over the years I have viewed donating blood as a way to celebrate my good health. In the past few months my Father-in-Law has needed weekly transfusions. I have long embraced the concept "that what goes around comes around." Well, now that concept has hit home. If people like me did not donate blood "just because it is the right thing to do" people like my Father-in- law would be dead as I type this.

Please donate blood if you can.

 

I voted honestly.

 

I used to donate regularly, until I got tired of having the Red Cross set appointments for six people (for example) at 1pm, with only two beds available.

I'd love to donate, but not if it takes almost two hours out of my day.

 

Me too.

 

I used to donate, when there was a regular drive at the place I worked then. In my current circumstances, it's too much hassle ... I know that's not a good reason, but there it is.

 

This is why I don't give blood...

The American Red Cross is refusing donations from people who have spent a cumulative three months in Great Britain or those who have spent six months in any part of Europe since 1980.

Other blood banks continue to follow United States Government and Food and Drug Administration requirements that bar donations only from people who have spent six months or more in Great Britain between 1980 and 1996. BloodBook.com believes that these restrictions may be brought into compliance with the Red Cross guidelines or even made tighter very soon.

 

Every 8 weeks since 09/11/2001, we O negative, universal donor are always in need.

 

I voted '12 weeks' b/c it's closest to my 3-4 times/ year. I've given on a fairly regular basis for over 30 years.

Like Matt, I also feel that it's a small gesture that can help many others. I like the 'celebrate my health' idea.

I agree with Jeff that their restrictions often seem to be arbitrarily over the top, which precludes many from donating. I have to say that the laptops now in use in the Philly area make the mindless 'quiz' go pretty quickly ('Have you had sex with a same-sex orangatang within the past 3 hours and visited Nigeria more than 10x?')

Maybe the Philly area is more organized than SoCal but the local Red Cross website will reveal many sites thoughout the metro area. It's always unpredictable, but (if you avoid the peak times) I am usually in/out in about an hour. Is that too much to ask....3-4 times per year?

 

Damn Jerry, I was hoping no one would have found the REAL reason I can't give blood anymore......

 

Rick and I are regular donars. I got to the two gallon mark, but haven't been able to donate for a while. Low iron, etc.

Rick goes as often as he can. He went this weekend, after going 8 weeks previously. His iron was close to being too low, so he may have to wait longer than 8 weeks between donations.

We go to our local hospital to donate.


We started donating when my dad was ill with a blood disorder and was told he could need transfusions every now and again.

Dad is gone, but we still go.