Yep! I donated a pint of blood at work today. The Carter Blood Care unit comes to my office every 8 weeks, and each time they come, I sign up. To date I've donated 2 gallons plus 5 pints that have been accounted for, so I guess that means I've really saved 63 lives if I've done the math correctly. I didn't start tracking until a few years ago, so I know it's really more than that. Seriously, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the procedure is totally painless. The worst part is getting the little finger prick to check the iron levels. The rest is a breeze! At the end, you get water, cookies (as many as you want) and a cool blood donor t- shirt. I sweet-talked the technicians in to photographing the process and they had a blast. Here are a few photos.
Don't look if you can't stand the sight of blood. (grin)
Here's the sterilization process
Just a little sting when the needle goes in. (I just can't watch though)
Initial blood goes in to little baggy for other samples.
I chug-a-lug about 3 bottles of water during the process so I feel really good when it's all done. I really think this helps.
Almost 16 ounces...
Taking the needle out
Apply Pressure for a minute...
DONE!!!
Treat- I had two packages of Oreos!!
One of the technicians got camera happy and we went outside of the donation station and I struck a pose like the photo on the side of the bus. It really is a painless procedure and I encourage each of you to give it a try. I actually feel energized afterward. Who knows, one of you might have a really rare blood type that they need desperately. I happen to be O positive, which is the universal blood type.
Next time you have an opportunity to give blood, remember that it takes so little time and the need is so great.
See you next time...
No comments:
Post a Comment