Every few months I give blood. It is an easy way to help someone without even knowing them. It is a nice outing for you and your spouse, or a friend. It will only take an hour out of your life and it might just save someone else's.
You can donate blood if you are 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health. If you are taking prescription medications, it doesn’t necessarily disqualify you. Call ahead and ask if you are concerned. It takes less than an hour to donate blood, from the time you arrive to the time you leave.
• Follow your usual diet and meal schedule before coming to donate.
• You’ll need photo identification and they will ask you medical history questions.
• You get a mini-physical. They measure your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and red blood cell level.
• Once you have registered and your eligibility determined, they will take a quart of your blood. It’s a simple procedure that lasts approximately five to seven minutes. Resume regular activities afterward.
• You may return in eight weeks to donate again.
The people who take your blood are always nice. They make it fun, and they , of course, have to endure all the 'blood' jokes. "take it all, I will be a quart low after this, why is his blood blue, how come you smile when you stick me with that needle? " I cannot imagine how many times they hear the same jokes in an eight hour shift.
The people who give blood seem to be as nice. Why not, they get free orange juice, a very comfortable chair, a nice environment and other victims close by sharing the same experience.
One final thing, it does not matter what blood type you are. I thought they didn't need my A positive blood, because they could get it anywhere. But the nurse taking my blood said that more people had my type, so naturally more was needed. You don't need rare blood to help, just red blood and a big smile.
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