Blood Donors

[chunkichik]

Being a blood donor myself, I was shocked to learn, that only 6% of the population are donors and it has been reported today that blood supplies are due to hit an all time low due to further restrictions on donating due to two cases of CJD being transmitted.

Although I have only been doing it for about two years now, I would urge anyone who like me, always wanted to do it but never got round to it. Its an amazing feeling to think you may be helping someone and the staff are so friendly and so thankful to you for taking the time out to do it. If you are 0 neg (rhesus) like me, then your blood can be given to anybody, this is usually used in hospital casulty departments before they cross-match your type.

Right, I'll get off my soapbox now!!!![msnsmile2],I'm just interested to see what population of the OV are donors[msnsmile2]

[blott]

The hospital where I worked in London for many years had their own blood transfusion service where they used staff donations rather than from the National Blood Transfusion service. Most of the staff used to donate regularly (although they were only called upon when their particular blood group was required) and, in emergency situations, were always ready to dash in to give blood if called.

I've also donated via the NBTS but I now have a medical condition which precludes donating blood, otherwise I'd still be doing it. It's a shame as I'm O Rh negative (universal donor) too.

[Nostromo]

I donate blood when I can, which is not as often as I would like because of work schedules. On average, I'd say about once every year.

[chrizzy100]

I can't donate blood uneless its needed in a few hours.....or so I was told in the hospital when I was a lot younger..something to do with my blood type......so really I never thought about it after that.... if you're English you can't donate blood in the USA.....

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
if you're English you can't donate blood in the USA.....
[/quote]

I did not know that. Why? Does it apply only to English people for some strange historical reason or all non-Americans?

[MaggieAllan]

I didn't tick anything...I have tried twice and been told not to bother..years ago I must admit. They always struggle finding a vein..have the same trouble when i have blood tests, but always succeed, with the help of friendly staff. On the occasions I have tried when work used to arrange it I was made to feel stupid. I explained that I knew I was difficult, and that I sometimes feel faint, and got lectured about why was I wasting their time, and discussed very loudly across the room to the extent that colleagues were laughing.

Maybe I need to give it another go...I do don't I...

Considering only 6% give, maybe I'm not the only one who has been made to feel like this....but it's time we fought back, the cause is too important.

[ctgirlscout]

I didn't vote, as there wasn't really a choice for me. I have donated, (I started in college) and I do donate when I can, but the bloodmobile seldom comes to our town. Unless its in town, I just don't have the time to try and track them down. So I donate less frequently than once a year.

[chrizzy100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
if you're English you can't donate blood in the USA.....
[/quote]

I did not know that. Why? Does it apply only to English people for some strange historical reason or all non-Americans?
[/quote]

I was told its because of mad cow......so it would be anyone who has moved to the USA where there has been mad cow.......

[julieanne]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MaggieAllan
I didn't tick anything...I have tried twice and been told not to bother..years ago I must admit. They always struggle finding a vein..have the same trouble when i have blood tests, but always succeed, with the help of friendly staff. On the occasions I have tried when work used to arrange it I was made to feel stupid. I explained that I knew I was difficult, and that I sometimes feel faint, and got lectured about why was I wasting their time, and discussed very loudly across the room to the extent that colleagues were laughing.

Maybe I need to give it another go...I do don't I...

Considering only 6% give, maybe I'm not the only one who has been made to feel like this....but it's time we fought back, the cause is too important.
[/quote]

I'm the same as you Maggie - whenever I have tried they have told me not to bother as it was too much hard work to get any blood from me.
And as for having a blood test it's a nightmare [msncry]

But reading this has made me decide to try once more and see what they say this time...........

[chunkichik]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Nostromo
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by chrizzy100
if you're English you can't donate blood in the USA.....
[/quote]

I did not know that. Why? Does it apply only to English people for some strange historical reason or all non-Americans?
[/quote]

I was told its because of mad cow......so it would be anyone who has moved to the USA where there has been mad cow.......
[/quote]

I'm a mad cow!! does that count?[msnwink]

Maggie and Julieanne, I am too very stingy with my veins, but usually have no problem when donating as these people do it all day everyday dont they? would have thought they would have been able to do it. A couple of times they have failed to get a vein in one arm and then they ask if you want to try the other arm and so far.....this has been ok,but if they really do have trouble, I didn't mean to make you feel guilty[msnembarrased]

Anita