Question about donating blood.

[Faery-Wings]

I want to donate blood and so does my husband, but it seems as neither of us can. He is Type 1 diabetic and I am under the weight limits. The weight limit is 110 apparently and I am 105. Unfortunately with not eating the last few days, I even dropped 3 pounds. :( I was wondering if they might consider my blood under the circumstances. My hubby doesn't want me to do it at all. Is there a health risk- I imagine I would be a bit more woozy for a while, but I would like to do *something.* Is there any reason I shouldn't try to donate? Swanny, Semele, Sherry~ any medical perspective?

Thanks and BB

Chris~ feels so helpless

[Myst]

Why not call your local clinic and ask?

[Semele]

Yes they have weight limits because you have to donate such an amount that the "profesionals" advise you need to be a certain weight to replace the blood quickly enough. There are other ways you can help. I know not everyone has extra cash but if you have any at all you can make a donation to the red cross and they will get it to the relief fund for the victems and families. Or you could even volunteer at your local blood collection centers...they could probably use some extra help with paper work and such. Just call around...and the best help is probably prayers and good thoughts.

[Faery-Wings]

Willow~ thats what I was going to do, but I figured that would be so swamped with people who can legitimately donate. I knew someone here would be able to help. :)

Semele~ I belong to a bunch of rewards programs online. You collect points and then cash them in for gifts certificates. Many of these programs are allowing you to cash in for Red Cross donations and I have been doing that. I will also be making a cash donations soon too.

My husband heard something about a canned food drive but doesn't have any details on that. I can't find any info on it either on any of the sites. Has anyone heard about that either? Or any need for clothing or blankets?

BB

Chris

[lovepoet]

My friends in EMS inform me that there is more than enough blood for the current crisis, since there are relatively few wounded and injured.

In a 'normal' disaster the number of wounded and injured typically outnumber the dead by a factor of ten. In this tragedy the ratio is likely to be reversed.

Sickening isn't it?

BB
Marc
P.S. Chryssi, donating blood is always a good, useful thing, so I am not trying to discourage the giving of blood, if you want to help though, since the response of the blood drive has already been excellent, and you seem to not fit their criteria, why not go to a red cross site and find out what other things are needed?

[Sequoia]

hey all. . .


I'm a starving college student (lol no, my dad feeds me). I'm too young to donate blood (they won't let me :mad: ) but today, as I was going through our local mall, there was a booth there from the red cross, and a lady was askign if I wanted to donate blood and I said how I wished I could, and she said that any little thing helps, so I said "you konw, this is my last dollar. . . . here." and I handed it to her. And they were so happy over just that one dollar.

Every tiny bit builds, until it's more than enough. Even if all you can give is a dollar, go for it. I did. I know I'm doing everything I can. And that's all I can do.

So keep your head high, and follow your heart.

[Myst]

Originally posted by chryssi1
Willow~ thats what I was going to do, but I figured that would be so swamped with people who can legitimately donate. I knew someone here would be able to help. :)

Chris : good thinking!!

lovepoet : great idea!! Here's a link to start with too http://specials.msn.com/special/help.asp
I also heard that the turnout of people has made it possible that they have enough blood and more - this is great, giving blood will help someone somewhere no matter what, and it's fantastic to see how many people have lended any support they can!

[lovepoet]

Well done Puma!

Willow, thank you, great link...you always seem to find good, pertinent and timely URL's, you have some kind of internet tarot? ;)

Chryssi, I heard that bottled water is always welcomed by the rescuers and volunteering yourself, even if you just serve tea/coffee goes a long way. The various sites have very extensive lists of needs, there is some way for anyone to contribute something to the effort.

And finally, light a candle, send some energy, that transcends all distance and geographic boundaries. I believe that it's one thing that this community can do par excellence.