Donating Blood

My little sister's recent motivation (she gets so excited a week or two before and then for a few days after she continues to talk about how she is saving lives), inspired me to donate blood at my local blood center (Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center) today. I had donated twice-ish in high school and had fine experiences, but did not make it a priority while I was in college. It is a pretty simple process and an easy way to help others!

The Blood Donating Process:
1. Registraion (and had to have my address changed since I had not been there for over 5 years)
2. Medical Check (temperature, blood pressure, iron level, height/weight) and Pre-Screen Questions
3. Make Donation
4. Enjoy Refreshments

It is a simple and easy process! The donating went really well (I felt good during the whole thing - those warnings on the paper you sign made me nervous) and I got to have a cup of orange juice! While, I was donating I talked to some of the workers and they mentioned how it is a pretty positive atmosphere to work in because all of the donors want to be there and they get to know the regular donors. After I was done, I got some thank you's and two cookies! (Everyone is so kind and there were so many snack choices!) The whole process lasted about an hour. I didn't really think of donating blood as volunteering, but it is - you give your time and literally part of yourself to help others in need. I helped someone live today (or I will help them soon after they insure that my blood is healthy) and I feel great about it! (And I don't even have a bruise!) The pint of blood that I gave today will go to local hospitals (MVRBC serves more than 70 hospitals in IA, IL, WI, and MO) and could help up to three people!

(P.S. I took my camera to the donor center so I could add some pics to this story, but there were a lot of donors today so I decided to just let that idea go - sorry!)


Side Note: So, in other parts of the country the American Red Cross collects blood donations. That leads me to CPR/AED Awareness Week. Check out this quiz about CPR/AEDs! (I got all the answers correct! Thank goodness, because I teach this to others!)