Do you give blood?

@dfinster (3528)
United States
March 5, 2007 10:28am CST
I was watching the local news last night and they had a story on about the blood banks being open on Sunday. Normally that's the only day they're not open. Some of you know that where I live we had a huge snowstorm that went on for over a week. The snowstorm forced the donation centers to be closed and now there's a big shortage. I've given blood in the past and have needed blood during a surgery. I never really thought it was that big of a deal until I needed it myself, then my views about donating changed. Do you donate blood? Have you ever been in a situation where you needed it?
7 people like this
50 responses
• United States
5 Mar 07
I would give blood if I could but I can't due to high blood pressure.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
5 Mar 07
It's nice to know you think that way. Thanks!
@paulnet (748)
• India
6 Mar 07
Blood Donation - You could save someone's precious life! Blood is a medicine that can only be given from one person to another.
There are many benefits donating blood socially as well as physically also. Donating blood may reduce the risk of heart disease for men and stimulate the generation of red blood cells. In patients prone to iron overload, blood donation prevents the accumulation of iron. The amount of toxic chemicals circulating in the blood stream is reduced by the amount contained in given blood. You could save someone's precious life! Blood is a medicine that can only be given from one person to another - no other source is currently available. Volunteer blood donors are needed on a daily basis to give blood for the thousands of patients who need it. So always help by donating blood.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Thanks for the comments and interesting facts.
@musaib (84)
• India
6 Mar 07
i dont donate blood at all.we only have very little amount of blood circulated in our body.that is 5 liters.when we get injured we only need blood. then how can we give it to others. some of the blood donation camps give money for the blood donator.
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Thanks for your comments and answers.
@bgerig (1258)
• United States
6 Mar 07
within an extremely short period of time, the blood in your body is recreated. You really do not miss it when you donate. And where I go, they make sure you are not faint and give you food and drinks to give you immediate energy.
1 person likes this
@jimotman (633)
• Indonesia
6 Mar 07
I've never given my blood, because I have very high cholesterol in my blood, I don't want to give it to anyone, because it's not good for your heart. But I would really love to give blood because it can help other people who really need it.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
6 Mar 07
It's always nice to hear when someone wishes they could. Thanks.
• United States
28 Mar 07
No I do not. I think it's an admirable practice, but I'm afraid that I won't be able to give that much blood and walk away without becoming lightheaded and feeling bad all day. I have a feeling I'd be one of those people that would get through giving the blood ok, but when it comes time to leave I'd end up passing out or something.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
29 Mar 07
I was a little afraid too at first but it didn't really bother me.
• United States
12 Apr 07
I used to give on a regular basis until I was diagnosed as anemic. I also tend to have very low iron. I still try to give, but they won't take it. I'm O+ and that is a much needed bloodtype so I really wish I could donate again. I'll keep trying though. I have never needed it yet, but you never know when you might need it.
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
12 Apr 07
If you can't donate that's ok. At least you have in the past.
• United States
29 Mar 07
I've never needed a blood transfusion, and i've never given blood. I am terribly terrified of needles, and sometimes my own blood. I say that with a sound mind, and laugh at the fact that I have three tattoo's. I'll tell you now its just not the same, no matter how many people tell you that it is.
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
29 Mar 07
I hear 'ya, I don't care for needles either.
@emmanola (482)
6 Mar 07
No I've neither given nor received blood. I don't think I want to donate blood anyway. I think every person should think more than twice before receiving blood as part of medical treatment. I feel strongly that one should exhaust every avenue of non-blood treatment. The reason is simple, non-blood treatment is often available but not popularized because of the erroneous belief that blood treatment is faster and better. Let us remember that a man who contracts HIV-AIDS by sleeping with an infected person may not become HIV positive for years. If such a person donates blood (for which screening will return a "HIV negative" result) and that blood is given to another person, the receiver of that blood product stands risk of becoming HIV positive some day. May be my analogy isn't perfect but there is some sense in it. Choose wisely.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I don't agree with you, but thanks for your comments.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
6 Mar 07
no, i cannot because i take medication. so i is not allowed. i would tho, if i could.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Thanks for thinking that way about it.
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Thankfully, I have never been in a situation to need blood. I do give blood when I can as I am o+, the universal donor. My husband has a very rare type and they call him each time he is eligible to give and he always does. I also encourage my nursing students to donate when there is a blood drive at our college...as does my husband. We actually give a bonus point to those who donate! (hey bribery works!)
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
6 Mar 07
LOL! If the bonus points work keep it up!
6 Mar 07
I have donated blood in the past. I used to do it through my employer in the States. I haven't donated since moving to the UK. I'm not sure that I would here as it makes me quite nervous having to deal with the NHS.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I understand. Maybe you'll get a little more comfortable after being there a while or something like that. Thanks for giving in the past though!
@ifasnet (25)
• India
6 Mar 07
Yes i do My blood group is B -ve. Call me anytime i will be there for anyone in need. Yes bood donation keeps us fit, reduces cholesterol and other lipids and most important saves a life in a need.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Thanks for the enthusiasm and facts!
@JuliaPan (564)
• Canada
6 Mar 07
In my country, there is a critical shortage of blood. One can see donation centers near malls and shopping centers. There are also commercials over TV encouraging people to donate blood. I've never donated, as I've got a low hemoglobin. My husband and his brother donate blood once or twice a year. By the way, it's very good for a man's health to periodically donate blood. Women lose some amount of blood every month, but men should donate it so that the blood gets renewed.
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
What country do you live in? It's great that you're supportive of giving and that your husband and his brothers give. Thanks.
@mdbpineda (219)
• Philippines
6 Mar 07
i will donate if it is really needed and it will save a person.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
That's great to hear. Thanks for responding.
@manindia (16)
• India
6 Mar 07
ya i donated blood and i got too when i was in need blood for my mother. Those person are relly great, as it was an serious operation they didnt confirmed the date properly. but those guys will come daily to hospital and wait to donate. so i think donating is good sometimes u wont get that back, for that u should not worry actually
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I think it's great that people do that.
@ssh123 (31073)
• India
6 Mar 07
I am a universal donor, being O+ group. I had donated blood 4 times to the Red Cross Society.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Great job!!!
@Bangalorean (1282)
• India
6 Mar 07
I have been donating blood every 8 months, 1 bottle to the needy friend of mine who is suffering from is suffering from lukemia and needs blood transfusion frequently. Luckily, i have never needed blood from anyone till date, touch wood
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
I think that's a wonderful thing you're doing for your friend. Hopefully you won't ever need it but if you do I hope someone would be as caring as you.
@bgerig (1258)
• United States
6 Mar 07
Yes I do donate blood. It is such an easy thing to do...doesn't cost anything...just takes a little time. I usually catch up on some reading. Not too long ago, I got my gallon pin which made me feel good. For a few years I wasn't allowed to give because of some medical restrictions but now they are taking the blood and I'm happy to give. And you are correct, if you have ever needed blood, you become very grateful for the donors.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
6 Mar 07
I get a good amount of reading done when I donate too!
@langhua (501)
• China
6 Mar 07
he he ,i think if we can give up blood ,i suggest you to give it 's up .it 's will help with more other people.and we can get more help from the other people.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Yup, if one person helps nothe and another person helps another....it would be great. Thanks for the response.
• Pakistan
6 Mar 07
nops yar i hav never given blood in all my life.I neva faced such a situation.
1 person likes this
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
Maybe you will give someday if you have the opportunity, thanks for commenting.
@pgshah (16)
• India
6 Mar 07
It's nice to know you think that way. Thanks!
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
19 Mar 07
You're welcome!