Handy Don 13,972 #26 Posted July 13, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Pullstart said: My SIL went through roughly 30 units of blood a few years back after hemorrhaging after childbirth. That’s 3 people’s worth of total blood! She used the platelet supply of two hospitals. Similarly, I’m glad there are enough people willing to give what they have to make a difference! This is a PSA for blood donating! Not widely understood is that for MANY years, the US imported donated blood from the UK and other euro countries to meed demand here. Most of that has stopped, in part due to stricter criteria but also due to lower donation rates. In the U.S, donation rates have risen but not enough to truly meet demand, especially when there is a significant situation like @Pullstart's SIL or a mass casualty incident. It is now common for persons anticipating surgery to be asked to "bank" their own blood in advance and recruit other donors to help. Also critical to understand is that in the U.S. no reputable blood center pays for your donation (it is the same for other organs). The cost of blood to the patient is the cost of collection, storage, testing, preparation, and delivery. In some places third-party sponsors do offer incentives like dining coupons and such to encourage donors. (Here you get Lorna Doones, Oreos, juice, and a hot beverage!) I cannot overemphasize how important it is for heathy persons to donate regularly. It's easy to call your local hospital or medical center to ask how to contact a convenient donation coordinator. Many places have their own donation facility and will gladly accommodate your schedule. Thanks for reading Edited July 13, 2022 by Handy Don 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,595 #27 Posted July 13, 2022 The young lady taking my blood explained that patients who suffer mass trauma like a gut wound can demand up to 100 units. At the church I visited, we gave about that collectively in one setting yesterday. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,147 #28 Posted July 17, 2022 I give when I can most of the time I can't make it to the center before they close. I'm the universal O+. The blood center is worse than a bill collector.. I should now I am one 🤪....it's everyday..... Usually when my firedeparment hosts one I do a double sitting. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcrage 630 #29 Posted July 17, 2022 My blood type is O neg.(universal donor). I used to get calls from the Red Cross for me specifically to donate. Then I had heart surgery 25 years ago and am now on loads of blood thinners and several other heart meds, so no more donations. And then I had some surgical complications 5 years ago and was the recipient of one of those big “usage events” ( I heard something about 25 units). Thank you to anybody and everyone who donates!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,595 #30 Posted May 15 There is a major blood shortage in my area. I’m sure many places need it the same. Donating blood is the only way that hospitals and surgery centers can obtain a supply. The places that pay for blood or plasma can only use it for research. 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HyperPete 868 #31 Posted May 22 (edited) . Edited May 22 by HyperPete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 13,972 #32 Posted May 22 On 5/15/2025 at 8:51 AM, Pullstart said: There is a major blood shortage in my area EVERYWHERE. (took the liberty to change this!) As blood testing has advanced and our population is aging, rejections for various conditions and situations are seeing more and more donors blocked. I donated at least twice a year beginning in college but am now banned due to having lived in the UK for a year during the 80’s. Am I carrying Mad Cow disease? An absolutely minute possibility but without a way to prove it, I am no longer permitted to donate. What about all the years from the 80’s to the 00’s when I continued to donate but before this rule came into force? Who knows. I fully get that many of us members cannot donate for different reasons. But we can be advocates for donations by those still able. Be creative! My favorite blood bank ad campaign used the theme “Give blood, it was meant to circulate." PSA ends... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,289 #33 Posted May 22 I have so many reason why I am not allowed to donate. Blood thinners is at the top of the list. I used to donate as often as I was allowed. Then medications and conditions put a stop to that. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HyperPete 868 #34 Posted May 22 (edited) I was told I had to stop donating due to heart rate. I had just reached 10 gallons. I wanted to try for 20. Edited May 23 by HyperPete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
