[christine]

do you know if you have to have already donated blood before this? don't they have to screen your blood first?

[IVote2]

Christine: I gave blood and they ask a series of questions. Now granted this was awhile back, but I'm sure that is what they are still doing. It wasn't painful and it didn't take too long.

I'm going to find out if they are setting up here in Austin for more sites.

God bless you Christine for helping others.

Jen

[Darlin']

"do you know if you have to have already donated blood before this? don't they have to screen your blood first?"

Sorry, christine, I just found your post. No, you do not have to have been a donor previously. It is a very easy process, it doesn't take much time at all. They will ask you a few simple questions, then afterwards they will screen the blood before using it. We are all feeling so helpless today and aside from prayer this is the single most beneficial thing we can do. BTW, if you happen to know anyone who cannot donate blood or cannot get to a Blood Bank, they can help by making a donation to the Red Cross. The scope of this disaster will no doubt strain their resources.