A Plea to Donate Blood

Self | 9/11/01 | LoanPalm

[LonePalm]

FREEPERS,

PLEASE DONATE BLOOD TODAY.

Go to the nearest hospital or Red Cross facility. Don't wait.

[LonePalm]

I can't donate due to recent surgery and medications. I am alive because other people like you donated blood. Right now there are a lot of people that need your help.

Thank you to all of you that donate blood. I will make it up as soon as I can.

Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic!)

[A Navy Vet]

Heading over to Red Cross first thing tomorrow. Good post.

[joelmc]

I basically agree, but it was pointed out on the radio that they can't do a whole lot with the blood until the planes get back in the air. But that will be soon, hopefully.

[Roebucks]

I'll be giving first thing tomorrow.

Here's one Freeper who wouldn't be alive today if not for the giving of blood by good people like you.

Thanks for the post!

[toenail]

CALL FIRST

I spent four hours manning the phones at a local Red Cross today, and the lines are large. There may be a mobile blood drive closer, and tomorrow there will undoubtedly be more. Call first so that the Red Cross or other agency can point you somewhere where they won't be overloaded, and more blood can be collected.

[Denver Ditdat]

PLEASE do, everyone. Be aware, though, that lines are and will remain long. Local (Denver) blood banks are asking anyone not already in line to consider coming back in a day or two. The wait is 5+ hours long, and it will be difficult to transport the blood to the area of greatest need until air travel resumes.

Stick together and keep the faith.

[FormerLib]

Actually, as my wife found out when she called the Red Cross, they don't want people to just show up right now. They are being inundated and can't handle more people.

The current blood supply is adequate. Over the next several weeks, they'll really be counting on us to help replenish the supply.

If you feel that you must go to donate, call first to make sure that they have a place for you.

[Senator Pardek]

As much as folks like to rag on us NYers, blood donations are going through the roof here.

[smokeyb]

Just came back from the local blood bank. They were packed and were turning people away, but were asking people to make appointments later this week. These are the Americans that make me proud ! God bless you all !

[ErnBatavia]

Yep - it doesn't hurt, they give you cookies and juice, and you feel damned good about yourself.

Last time I donated, one of the techs told me that lots of people donate to get their "physicals" for free....the testing they do would cost one, normally, several hundred bucks. The Red Cross DOES send you notification of any 'problems.

Give. Tomorrow.

[bmwcyle]

bump

[AppyPappy]

TD just off FL coast

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/at200108.disc.html

[TheOtherOne]

My 90+ year old Grandma walked to the local hospital at 7am this morning to man her post at the blood donation center. (She's the one holding hands and giving our the cookies and juice when you're done)

Everyone helping is a great thing to see.

[muggs]

I've been trying to get ahold of Hoxworth (Cincinnati blood donation center). There phone line has been busy all day. I will continue to try tomorrow.

[bmwcyle]

bump

[waxhaw]

Unfortunately I cannot donate blood; I've had malaria and dengue fever. This being said I would encourage others to wait a week or two when the present blood supplies are decreased and then go provide... you'll feel healthier for it as well, physically and mentally.

[Paul L. Hepperla]

I, and a co-worker showed up at 1:00 PM to donate. I waited over 4 hours before finally donating. People were everywhere not only donating blood but bringing pop, juice and food for those there...without being asked.

[Interesting Times]

I called the national Red Cross blood line (1-800-GIV-EBLO) and was told that lines of 500 or so people had formed in front of most donating centers, and that they were out of supplies in most locations. They suggested I check back tomorrow.

[George W. Bush]

There are 80,000 units of blood in the U.S system, as I understand the local spokesman. In our state, they're telling people to make appointments because of the huge numbers volunteering. But, of course, this is the Christian Midwest and it is only to be expected here, given the softhearted nature of the people. The Red Cross spokesman said not to just show up and instead to make an appointment and that current national blood reserves are adequate for the immediate emergency. However, the need is likely to be greater in 5-7 days to replace some of what may be drawn out of the system in meeting the current crisis. I've heard other reports that there is some real concern for some of the rarer blood types immediately.

[rintense]

Here is the email that I sent out to co-workers...

Subject: A Patriotic Request

I am asking that all of us who have been so deeply affected by this national tragedy do our part and donate much needed blood. As has been stated numerous times this evening on national television, there is a severe blood shortage in the NYC area, and they are making a plea to all Americans to donate. So, I am hoping that you will join me tomorrow and donate blood at the nearest Red Cross or blood bank location.

Please pass this along to your friends so that as many people as possible can help during this tragic time.