Emergency Appeal for Blood Donors

[mkd20012001]

Originally Posted by GetFitBeHealthy

I pass out everytime I give blood

Me too! I don't mind giving away my blood but as soon as I say anything about fainting they no longer want my blood.

[dn0121]

Originally Posted by mkd20012001

Me too! I don't mind giving away my blood but as soon as I say anything about fainting they no longer want my blood.

Thats funny, a similar thing happens to me but they still take it. I don't normally faint, but I have to lay instead of sit usually. I don't understand why, because I have no problem with doing it.

I went last week to donate and they couldn't get a vein out of my left arm and wouldn't touch my right because it was all bruised up from a blood test I had earlier in the week. I didn't even notice it until they taker pointed it out.

[gdaymate]

Any places in the Charlotte Hall area soon?

[kalmd]

I saw a commerical last night for a blood drive this Saturday at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium. Everyone who gives blood will get a free t-shirt and 2 tickets to an upcoming game.

[David]

The shortage continues...

Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown Joins Red Cross in Call for Blood Donations

Current Blood Supply Not Adequate to Meet Need

August 11, 2008: Maryland’s Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown teamed up with the American Red Cross, Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region at a press conference today to address the current, urgent need for blood donors. Blood donations have been well below what is considered a safe and adequate supply for several weeks, and, at times, certain blood types have dipped below a half-day supply. Blood cannot be manufactured in a lab and the GC&P Region relies on community blood donors to supply at least 1,000 units a day to meet the needs of patients in local hospitals.

“You can give a neighbor the gift of life and all it takes is an hour of your time,” Lt. Governor Brown said. “Our hospitals, patients and doctors are in dire need of blood donors. As Marylanders, I ask that we all do right by our neighbors and give the most valuable gift we possibly can, the gift of life.”

“Although blood shortages like this are common during the summer months, they are never routine,” says Gary J. Ouellette, Chief Executive Officer for the GC&P Region. “We need the public to understand the increasing urgency of this situation, and we are grateful for the support of Lt. Governor Brown in this effort. Lives are literally on the line, and it is the responsibility of community blood donors to ensure that we have blood available to treat patients in need.”

The American Red Cross holds approximately 35 blood drives in the Region each day and has 13 conveniently located donor centers between Southern Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia. The Region is relying on an immediate response from all eligible community blood donors and asks that they call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to schedule their donation appointment today. One blood donation could save up to three lives.

WHO CAN GIVE BLOOD?

Donors must :

.. Be in generally good health;
.. Be at least 17 years of age, or, in the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania, 16 years of age with parental consent
.. Weigh no less than 110 pounds;
.. Have NOT received a tattoo within the past year;
.. Have NOT donated whole blood within the past 56 days.

In addition to asking individual members of the community to donate blood, the American Red Cross strongly encourages businesses and community groups to schedule and organize blood drives. Any groups interested in scheduling a drive or obtaining further information is asked to call 1-800-787-9282, ext. 4925.

Visit Welcome - American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region

[AJ Pennypacker]

I tried to donate today but was rejected because I had a cup of coffee prior to arrival and my temperature was a little high. They refused to retake it. When I got home an hour later it was down 1.5 degrees, well within the limits. Plus, the staff member I interacted with was rude. She was clearly unhappy with having to be there and made it very clear in her demeanor and tone of voice.

[Bowser]

Originally Posted by AJ Pennypacker

I tried to donate today but was rejected because I had a cup of coffee prior to arrival and my temperature was a little high. They refused to retake it. When I got home an hour later it was down 1.5 degrees, well within the limits. Plus, the staff member I interacted with was rude. She was clearly unhappy with having to be there and made it very clear in her demeanor and tone of voice.

Everytime I have given blood to the Red Cross I have a rude nurse. I don't give to them anymore. I donate at a local hospital.

[David]

Just an FYI...We were notified this week that supplies continue to be less than a half day for many blood types when they like to have a 5-7 day supply...

[Rael (Premo)]

I'd gladly donate, but this one always disqualifies me when they run local blood drives where I work. I boldfaced the ones that applied.

You Cannot Donate Blood if You Have:

Or, if during your international travel and/or residency, you:

Have spent a total time that adds up to 3 months in the United Kingdom from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 1996.

Have had a blood transfusion in any country(ies) in the United Kingdom from January 1, 1980 to present.

Were a member of the of the U.S. military, a civilian military employee, or a dependent of a member of the U.S. military who spent a total time of 6 months on or associated with a military base in any of the following areas during the specified time frames:

From 1980 through 1990 - Belgium, the Netherlands (Holland), or Germany.

From 1980 through 1996 - Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or Greece.

Have spent a total time that adds up to 5 years or more in any combination of country(ies) in Europe from January 1, 1980 to present.

[luckystar (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Rael

I'd gladly donate, but this one always disqualifies me when they run local blood drives where I work. I boldfaced the ones that applied.

They get me on the Spain one.

I don't understand why more people that CAN give blood don't go out there and do it.