I categorized this post "Things you should know in Detroit" because I think it affects us all. The Southeastern Michigan blood banks are low and is in need of donations.
While I was donating blood to the Red Cross today, I asked one of the volunteers about blood donations and asked how the blood supply was. Her response was that lately they've been pretty low. The website for the Southeastern Michigan Red Cross confirms it:
"American Red Cross Reports Low Donor Turn Out: Blood Donations Urgently Needed. There is a critical need for blood donations; it is a gift that costs only an hour of your time and may save up to three lives. "
Here's a snapshot of our area. As you can see, the supply is extremely low, especially for O- and B-.
It truly is a gift of life. Since high school, I've always given blood when I've had the opportunity. Knowing people who have had to rely on the blood supply in operations makes this an even more important gift for me.
If you've never given blood, the experience is not as scary as you think. The nurses will first go through a historical questionaire with you, draw a sample of blood from your finger, and take your blood pressure and temperature. Once you are on the donation table, they cleanse your arm with iodine for 30 seconds and insert the needle. And in 7-15 minutes you're done! The needle is a slight pinch, but really it isn't that bad. There is no pain while the blood is flowing to the bag.
So please donate blood to the American Red Cross. Your donation can save three lives.
-Jovina
You bet it affects us all :) Blood supply in the US is EXTREMELY low and 1 donation saves 3 lives.
If your interested in more info on local blood banks in your area, then checkout http://bloodbanker.com
Posted by: Phil | July 10, 2006 at 11:46 AM