I definitely agree. I don't know how drives are conducted where you're at, but here, after a person has donated, there's usually a table filled with all you can eat food and drink. Sometimes it's Chinese food, sometimes it's snacks (Rice Krispie Treats are my personal favorite). And they encourage you to stay a while before taking off.

Still, it's important to take it easy for the rest of the day. Even after stuffing my face with food post-donation, I've had a number of dizzy spells. Everybody's bodies replenishes the supply at different speeds.

And I have found it worse in the summer. I have to take it easy the next day, too, or I get woozy.

I do not "do" drives any more:)
I just go to the blood center itself once a month (or so).
While one can give blood every 56 days or so, one can donate platelets every three days (limited over a year however).
And yes they do have juices, treats and other goodies.
On holiday weekends, they have a cookout.
And twice a year, just for platelet donors, they have a party at a very nice conference center.

And as said before, anyone who is over 16, 110 lbs and healthy should give some thought to giving.

I most likely have met most of the platelet donors in my area and have met a few of those who may have received them.

"Deathly?" :eek: LOL!

You win this weeks eagle eye award:D
And your prize is: You get to be a donor

Thanks, Jon, I'd truly love to but can't. I am endlessly grateful to those of you who CAN and DO! (Where's the icon for kisses and hugs??)

I, too, donate for the snacks.


If you donated through the Red Cross, you should have received a donor card with your blood type on it.



I'm O-.

O-, and I'm ashamed to say I don't donate as often as I should :( I have once and needles don't bother me. It's much like every other "should" in my life. I just don't have time! (but I should make time)

Eeeek! Have you contacted them about this??


I am O+

Whiskey

My best friend is O-, and he gets Red Cross invites out the ASS. I think he gets notices of every blood drive within 100 miles. And I love how they always say "You're our Type O Hero!".

Yeah, I get letters from them all the time. I'm just really bad at planning and that sort of thing. It's like organ donation. Illinois recently passed a law making one's wishes on organ donation legally binding. The idea being this way your family can't prevent your organs from being donated if it's what you wanted. So now you have to re-sign up (lifegoeson.com). I want to donate my organs, but have I signed up? No. Why? I don't know.

/end hijack-y rambliness

I signed up to donate both whole blood and platelets this up coming Saturday.
Who is going to "join" me?
If not sure where to call/go:
https://www.givelife.org/index_flash.cfm?thisHB=06/17/2007%2016:18:16
http://www.aabb.org/content
http://www.americasblood.org/go.cfm
http://bloodbanker.com/banks/
http://bloodsaves.com/flash.html

Well while I was unable to donate whole blood today (was under FDA time limit), I did give double platelet.

And did anyone else give today?

Surgery on Monday, so I'm out of the loop for a little while - but I do know that the Bloodmobile is in town the first Thursday of the month - so I'm going to try as soon as I can!