another signal boost: Red Cross

[truepenny]

I just got email telling me that:

Severe winter weather throughout much of the United States has caused the cancellation of nearly 23,000 blood and platelet donations nationwide through the American Red Cross since January 1.

There is a critical need for donors now. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with type 0 negative, A negative and B negative blood.

Now, this email is asking me to donate, and it drives me nuts that I can't, especially since I'm A negative. But I need to get this stupid iron deficiency thing sorted out. So I'm doing the next best thing, and posting this.

If you can donate, this would be a great time to do it. Go here to find a blood drive near you and schedule an appointment.

The Red Cross estimates that every donation they get helps save three lives.

Comments

[midnightsmagic.livejournal.com]

I donated last week, and I'm A- too. You can share my donation in spirit. :)

[carbonel]

It annoys me that I'm perfectly capable of donating (and B-negative), but they don't want my blood. Why? Because I've spent more than six months in the UK.

[gadow.livejournal.com]

At least you will be able to donate eventually. Me? I'm "one of THOSE kind" so my blood is far too tainted to ever be of use.

[mastadge.livejournal.com]

Huh. I gave blood last week, and had to wait more than an hour because the Red Cross folks had forgotten some bit of equipment. More than ten people walked out -- some after waiting nearly as long as I -- because they had other commitments. You'd think that with a couple dozen thousand cancellations, Red Cross'd be more careful about making sure they were ready for those who showed up! No, I kid. I know these things happen.

[cmpriest.livejournal.com]

You're A-neg also? Sometimes I think me and my mom are the only two in the world.

[cassandraterra.livejournal.com]

Yay for A-! I have too many health problems for them to take my blood. Oh well. Maybe my doctors will someday figure me out. I did give in high school, but then I went to Italy and they wouldn't take my blood. Same with the UK as well. Why can't I travel and give blood? I do not have Mad Cow!

[dd-b.livejournal.com]

First rule of emergency response: don't become a victim yourself.

I just donated on Friday, so I'm good, but can't become an additional donor for them.