[Notwithstanding]

I suspect we will hear more on that soon enough. I agree - they need a strong nudge. Does anyone know how else we can donate blood? I would never boycott that unless an alternative blood bank existed locally. I am just ashamed and embarassed that a person could consider themselves an American and do what the Red Cross officials did.

[DLfromthedesert]

Go directly to your community hospital and tell them you want to donate blood without the Red Commie Cross involved.

[NotJustAnotherPrettyFace]

Go straight to your nearby hospital and check to see if they accept blood donations (most of them will). Also, try other blood bank groups. LifeSource, for ex., is the big blood donation operation here in the Chicago metro area.

[ao98]

America's Blood Centers

[Quix]

As a layman. . . it is my understanding that most hospitals--such as especially for elective or pending surgery--will store your own blood, frozen if necessary, for possible future use.

[Johnny Gage]

here in Minnesota we have an organization called "The memorial bloodbank". They do "mobile" blood drives and I don't think they are affiliated with the Red Double-Cross.

I'm sure you could look up in the yellow pages or call a local hospital and ask for donation alternatives.

[ClancyJ]

Great! This on top of the 60 Minutes expose' of the many times they have failed to give benefits to victims even though these same victims were used to solicit contributions. Law suits were required to have the benefits given to the victims.

In addition, there appear to be very high corporate salaries and many opportunities for "bonuses" to the administrators for fundraising, etc. This reminds me of the United Way fraud.

I can understand that they do need money to fund the aid provided for all assistance to the varied needs of victims. Yet, the way they obtain the funds is not above board. Since they do this, I am really suspicious about how the funds are spent. There have been too many instances of victims not receiving aid up to a year after the Red Cross offered assistance.

[Jansharley]

I work for Southeastern Community Blood Bank. It is a private organization here in Florida. There are blood banks that are not with the Red Cross. Please don't let that discourage you to donate blood. It is so important to donate. Ask around your town as to where you can donate. It really saves lives. As for me I will not donate a single penny to the Red Cross.

[Great Dane]

This is good news.