Quote:
Originally posted by valkyrie
I don't think a blood drive should ever be a competition. It's just too...I don't know, *squicky* or something. Giving blood should be a personal decision, not something that's done because of peer pressure.
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Completely agree.
I donate platlets (which help clotting) rather than whole blood most of the time-- which means that I get my red blood cells *back* during the prodedure. It also means that you sit in that chair for a long time-- I've been in the donation chair for 90 minutes sometimes, because it's a more complicated procedure. And not as many people donate them-- often because you can't really do the procedure at the campus blood drives-- it requires a more expensive machine.
Because I'm getting my red blood cells back, donation times are much more frequent. I make a monthly trip to downtown Boston, watch a movie on the pay-per-view screens they have set up, and have gotten used to the whole ordeal.
It's not for everyone. But I can do it, and I'm willing. So I choose to.
However, no one should ever be forced to donate blood. It's a good thing to do, and it's something I believe everyone (who is physically capable) should do at least twice per year... but I respect those who aren't able for whatever reason.
And I am squeamish about needles-- I still can't look at them!
~ Mel.