Happy Monday all. As I was on the subway heading to work today I was reading the newspaper and saw an article about the blood situation. There is a blood shortage throughout the country, and in the New York area it is described as critical. Many people think that blood supplies are needed for people in serious accidents, but it’s also needed for those undergoing routine surgeries and procedures on a daily basis. This is a subject close to me as I gave blood right after Hurricane Sandy when the hospitals were in desperate need of it. It was great to see the community come together and give so unselfishly, and for a time the blood supply was at a high. It seems that people think of doing this only after a major event or catastrophe, but in reality blood volunteers are needed every day. This made me think of a review back then I wrote up regarding my experience giving blood at the New York Blood Center, and I thought it would be appropriate to revisit it again as I will be setting up an appointment to donate blood soon. Please consider taking some time out of your day to donate blood if you can. It’s a very worthwhile endeavor and can help to save lives. Here is a link to America’s Blood Centers to find one near you – http://www.americasblood.org/
From November 8, 2012 –
After this past weeks Hurricane Sandy disaster I felt like I needed to do something to help out in any way possible. One of the best things to do is give blood. It does not take that much effort, and there is such a huge need for it. After a week without power in half of Manhattan, and throughout the NYC area, the hospitals and medical centers blood supplies dropped dangerously low. I decided to jump into action and give. It’s the right thing to do. The American thing to do. Be a good American and give blood! If you’re not American still give – we’ll accept your non-American blood!
It was amazing to see the outpouring of people at this location willing to give. The lines were tremendously long, and on this Sunday they closed the doors early at 3pm because there were just too many people here and not enough technicians to handle it all. We were told it might take up to two hours but very few left. Well, by the time all was said and done it took over four hours! Still, not many left. We all were determined to stick it out and donate for such a good cause. This group of strangers became a community of sorts sharing hurricane stories and experiences.
The facility itself is clean, and the staff there were very professional. I have to give them big props, as most were working double time that weekend and you could tell how exhausted they were. There are a lot of snacks, juices, water, and coffee in the recovery room that we were allowed to partake in while waiting. A tv in there had the day’s football games on. Once you are called in you go through a quick medical screening. Damn, I have good blood pressure – 120/74. Blood type O+. Temp 98.6 so I was dead on target. Then you go into the room to give blood and lay on a dentist-like chair. I love that each one has a tv to watch with many channels to choose. Got to watch the football game during the whole process. My nurse was very friendly and had a gentle touch. She answered any questions I had.
Also, be sure to eat something before going there. I saw at least four people pass out while giving blood, and all had not eaten much that day. When you are done you sit in the recovery room for a bit where you feast on all types of cookies, snacks, juice, and coffee. That’s the best part!
They take walk-ins and appointments. Free wifi here too. There is no reason not to do this. If you are scared of needles suck it up as it’s just a little pinch. If you can’t stand the sight of blood, just don’t look. Overall, the process to fill the blood bag took 10-12 minutes. That’s all it takes to help save lives. Please donate.
New York Blood Center – http://nybloodcenter.org/
America’s Blood Centers – http://www.americasblood.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/new-york-blood-center-new-york-2#hrid:RWXvxMorc4fVpSNNN8-nEg/src:self
It is so important to give blood. Everyone should do it!
Hi Lanthie!
Yes, they should if they can!
Such an important post and I will share it to help raise awareness!
Hey Christy!
Thanks so much! I appreciate it!
Great Cause Phil! Thanks for bringing Public Attention on the needs of Giving Blood!
Hey Peggy!
Since it is something I have done I thought I would bring it up again as it’s a great thing to do.
Awesome post, thanks for sharing!
Hey Emily!
Thanks so much! It’s a good thing to do for others.
Right on, Phil. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Everyone needs to be a blood donor!
Hey Patricia!
Thanks! It’s something everyone should participate in if they can.
Great message, Phil. This is so important.
Jules of Canines & Couture
Hey Jules!
It is importanat as it can help save lives. Thanks!
Phil I can no longer donate (Lyme disease), but I can RT. Great cause!
Hey Laura!
Thanks so much for reading and dropping by my blog! I appreciate the RT! Sorry to hear you had lyme disease. Hope you are well now.
My sister does blood & platelets in Chicago. Me? The one and only time I tried, I was told I had a minor iron deficiency. But at least I tried…
Hey Kitt!
That is so cool about your sis. Hey, at least you tried. I’ll give a few ounces for you.
Well said, Phil.
Kate x
Hey Kate!
Thanks so much!
I have given blood a few times before and it’s so important to give this gift. For everyone who has told me they’re scared to give blood, it’s not that big of a deal. And you get free juice and cookies afterward! Thank you for spreading this message, Phil.
Hey Jessica!
Hey, free cookies and juice is always a plus! I know many people hate needles but it’s not that bad. It’s for a great cause. Thanks for reading!
Free wifi is a selling point! Seriously though – that’s for the reminder. I haven’t done this in quite a while.
Hey Kenya!
If sitting there waiting for a long time the wifi helps. So does the cookies and snacks! I need to give again soon.
I do give blood and I’m on the Bone Marrow Donor list as well. So important and easy to do, I wish more people would consider it.
Hey Karen!
That is so cool of you! More people should do it. Thanks!
Donating blood is a wonderful gift and really, it is no big deal to go through it! There are tough things in life and this is just not one of them. On top of that, donating blood is is the right thing to do.
Just make sure you fit the criteria to do so…the donor center will let you know what the exclusions are on top of the mini medical exam the Phil outlined.
Just as urgently needed are platelets which is a slightly more involved procedure that takes a couple of hours…but you can read, listen to music, be on your iPad, watch a movie, etc while doing so. So consider donating platelets too!
You can donate platelets over 20 times a year versus the approximately 6 times you can donate whole blood per year. Either way, blood or platelets, you will feel good about yourself afterwards!
Hey Alexandra!
Thanks for reading and commenting with all the input! Platelets are also very important too as you mentioned. It’s all for such a terrific cause.
What a nice and important post. I’d love to donate blood, but am not allowed seeing as I lived in the UK in the 80’s. That’s when Mad Cow Disease was crazy! What a shame.
It’s very kind of you to do so!!
Hey Hazy!
Thanks so much! Wow – did not know that Mad Cow still affects this. That was a crazy time.
I love that you took the time to write about this. It’s a great reminder for those who already do, and a great way to raise awareness among those who haven’t done it yet. Kudos!
Hey Suzanne!
Thanks so much. I appreciate the kudos. It is a nice thing to do.
Hi there! I stumbled across your blog on BBN and decided to pop in. Admittedly, I’ve only skimmed so far, but I’m here to stay. Adding you on Bloglovin when I decide to stop being lazy and get out of bed. 🙂
I really dig this post. I don’t know how often blood donation is brought to people’s attention out in NYC, so it’s great that you’ve taken the time to write something like this, as I’m sure it’s just one of those things people forget to do. I know I’m as guilty as they come about forgetting this kind of thing, but I’m in the military, and fortunately it’s not uncommon to hold blood drives several times a year, depending on the base you’re at. Despite my fear of needles and blood, I’ve given every chance I got. It’s such a satisfying feeling that such a small sacrifice and a little bit of time out of your day could possibly save someone’s life. 🙂
Hey April!
Thanks so much for dropping by my blog and commenting! I am so glad that you found me and will follow. Hope you like my posts!
Many people are scared of the needle thing but it’s just a temporary pinch and it doesn’t take that much time. I have two family members in the medical field. One in the Air Force and one a registered nurse. What branch are you in and where?
I’ll follow back on Bloglovin too. Have a great week! 🙂
Haha, AF represent! My husband and I are both active duty Air Force as well, stationed in South Korea. 🙂
Thank you for your service! My future brother in law is doing another tour in Afganistan right now. He did Korea too.
What a fabulous reminder! And giving blood is rather easy and so important. Kudos to you!
Hey Cowboys!
Thanks! It is easy and only takes a short time to do it. It helps save lives!
I really wish I could give blood, it’s such an amazing thing to do, but I’m anemic so can’t.
I am an organ donor though..! haha
Good on you and for this post – love it.
Best wishes.
Hey Danielle!
Sorry to hear you are anemic. Being an organ donor is very important too. So am I. Thanks and hope all is well!
Very good of you, Phil!
Hey Jill!
Thanks so much! It’s a good cause and everyone should donate if they can.
I definitely think those who can, should donate. I can’t, unfortunately, as my blood isn’t what they want. But I’m a big supporter of it. You never know when it will be needed. Always worth giving.
Hey PJ!
If they can people should be both blood and organ doners. It helps save lives. Always worth it as you say.
I can’t wait to give blood again! I was in South America a few years ago and got malaria. I guess the but stays in your blood for a few years. I think I have to wait 5 years before I can give it again. I used to give blood at least 6 times a year.
Hey Matt!
Malaria! Wow – that must have sucked. You gave six times a year – I am impressed. That is very giving of you and for a great cause!