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moonwiseRecently, the rules surrounding donation of whole blood became stricter, and as a result, the pool of blood donors has become smaller than ever.
This translates to nationwide blood shortages, and the supply is not keeping up with the demand.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-06-29-blood-cover_x.htm
The donation of whole blood is one of the most selfless and helpful things that a single person can do to help others. Blood has a finite shelf life and expires after 6 weeks. This means that blood cannot be stockpiled, as was regrettably demonstrated after the 9/11 attacks. This is often not a concern, as most hospitals barely have a day's supply in reserve.
AS YET, NO ARTIFICIAL SUBSTITUTES FOR BLOOD ARE VIABLE!
Although the guidelines are strict, they have been implemented for public safety, and it is essential to remove one's perceptions and political arguments from them. These guidelines ensure that the blood that you receive in a crisis will not make you even sicker than you were before you received the blood. They ensure that donated blood can be equated with trust.
Therefore, if you meet the criteria below, please think about extending your arm for the good of others. It's a small price to pay for all the good you do. Have a nice big meal about two hours before you go, and take it easy afterwards, and you should be fine.
Red Cross Blood Donation Guidelines
So please... think about it. You are needed.
This translates to nationwide blood shortages, and the supply is not keeping up with the demand.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2003-06-29-blood-cover_x.htm
The donation of whole blood is one of the most selfless and helpful things that a single person can do to help others. Blood has a finite shelf life and expires after 6 weeks. This means that blood cannot be stockpiled, as was regrettably demonstrated after the 9/11 attacks. This is often not a concern, as most hospitals barely have a day's supply in reserve.
AS YET, NO ARTIFICIAL SUBSTITUTES FOR BLOOD ARE VIABLE!
Although the guidelines are strict, they have been implemented for public safety, and it is essential to remove one's perceptions and political arguments from them. These guidelines ensure that the blood that you receive in a crisis will not make you even sicker than you were before you received the blood. They ensure that donated blood can be equated with trust.
Therefore, if you meet the criteria below, please think about extending your arm for the good of others. It's a small price to pay for all the good you do. Have a nice big meal about two hours before you go, and take it easy afterwards, and you should be fine.
Red Cross Blood Donation Guidelines
So please... think about it. You are needed.
