Category: Volunteering

By Harold Rodenberger

 

When I was younger, a lot younger, I used to give blood regularly every couple months. Then we moved to a tropical country and I visited various other tropical countries so my blood-letting was restricted. Then I retired from the Army and got so busy I didn’t have time. Then I was borderline anemic and couldn’t give. Then there was always an excuse not to give. THEN I stopped in at BloodWorks NW one day and gave blood!

 

Compared to how it used to work the new system is amazingly user friendly.

 

• You save time by making an appointment on line or by phone.
• The screening questionnaire is done quickly on a small electronic device.
• The hematocrit is a modern spun version so less blood is needed and it saves time.
• The reclining couch is more ergonomically designed and extremely comfortable.
• The actual blood draw is easier from beginning to end with modern crimping devices and even a covered needle extraction shroud.
• They have machinery on site to separate out various parts of blood such as platelets, plasma or coagulation factors and return the rest to your body.
• The last time I gave blood I was in and out in less than twenty-five minutes.

 

It seems the staffers and volunteers are friendlier and more efficient. Only the cookies, crackers and drinks are about the same.

 

I understand that, for various reasons, many people can’t donate blood. But if you can, follow the lead of this old guy and give a pint to save a life.