Please donate blood today.

[FM123]

It is always a good idea to donate blood, but after yesterday's tragedy here in Broward County, we really really need folks to give. It's easy, the red buses are just everywhere today - and while thoughts and prayers are "nice" we really need more, like blood. And better laws!

[Xipe Totec]

1. I have a 10 Gallon donor mug

That does not include all my donations, only the ones where they were keeping track.

But yes, I fully support everyone donating blood.

And here's an extra bit of amazing blood donation trivia:

The man responsible for developing the techniques for banking blood, Dr. Charles Richard Drew, was a Black scientist.

https://www.uh.edu/engines/epi154.htm

[FM123]

2. Wow, that's fantastic and aspirational!

I hope I get a mug like that someday. And I really really hope that lots more folks donate blood as often as you do. 👍

[lunatica]

4. Ive given over 16 gallons in my life

Not to brag or anything...

[FM123]

7. Wow - what an accomplishment!

I am feeling very inspired by you folks that give so much.

[lunatica]

10. If you go once to give blood for someone

The Red Cross will call you every eight weeks or so after that. I started in 1978 when I gave blood for a friend.

[Xipe Totec]

15. I lost track

When I moved to Boston from Houston, the count was broken.

Alls I know is I have a 10 gallon mug. The rest are extras.

[brooklynite]

3. I was planning to today (I have a special blood code which means mine lasts longer)...

...but I've had a nasty cold for the last week, so I'm waiting for it to pass.

[lunatica]

6. I usually do not give blood in these events until

later if it’s needed because people really step up when these things happen. I’ve been donating blood since 1978. I’ve given a lot.

[FM123]

9. Yes, that's a good idea to wait. They sent a few folks home today that had even a slight fever.

[dembotoz]

5. i am set for tommorrow ....with the flu donations are down

[FM123]

11. Fantastic! Yes, the flu has been a nightmare this year.

[redwitch]

8. Donated a few weeks ago, a double red.

Not sure when I can donate again. I am type O and try to give whenever I can. I have been a donor for 16 years.

[FM123]

12. I know that with regular donations we have to wait a couple of months

(I think they told me 8 weeks) I assume with a double red, its twice the time before you can donate again?

[redwitch]

14. I dont think I can donate until May.

But I’ll know for sure when my phone starts ringing off the hook from Red Cross calls.

[muriel_volestrangler]

13. Thank you. This has reminded me that it was about time I gave again

and I checked - I didn't have an appointment booked, which I now think was because their computer was down when I last gave. So I got the last slot available next week!

[FM123]

18. That's great! It's like that last slot was just waiting for you....

[mythology]

16. The Red Cross would like to just put a spigot in my arm

O Neg and big enough to do double reds. They basically call me a month after donating to get me to schedule a new appointment. Even though the actual drives aren't scheduled yet.

[FM123]

19. Yes! O negative is like the holy grail, I think that something like only 6% of folks have it?

[CTyankee]

17. I would love to, but I can't because I had Hep C several years ago...

I have ached in sympathy for these sufferers.

Now I'm probably too old anyway, but back then (40 years ago) I wasn't . I'm so sorry...

[FM123]

20. But your heart's in the right place, thank you - so just go spread the word for us!