Today is World Blood Donor, so I gave blood!
I typically give on a regular schedule and conveniently enough, there are 2 sites close to my house that hold blood drives that coincides with my availability to give. However, I missed the May blood drive and was off schedule and wanting to give again.
Today as I was driving to the gym (gym, work and church are in a neighboring town) at 5:40 am, I saw a sign that said “Blood Drive TODAY! St. Anne’s Church”, so I confirmed the details on-line and made my way over on my lunch break.
After getting a little lost in the church, I found my way to the blood drive. This was the most organized blood drive I’ve been to (besides my first one!) and the volunteers were friendly and efficient. I was able to get in, answer my questions, get my iron tested (14) and blood pressure (100/60) and was lead to the table. Both Red Cross employees that assisted with my donation were very kind, funny and skilled. There was no pain at all!
After giving my pint in 6 minutes and 9 seconds, I was lead to the snack table and greeted with a glass of juice, 2 trays of cookies and a tray of fruit. They were making appointments for their next blood drive, on August 9, so I made one!
Hardcore!
I felt hardcore rocking my bandage and iodine covered arm at work and got a number of comments about those and my stickers. I typically give at the end of the day and go home, but this is a good way to spread the word about the importance and ease of blood donations.
Maybe next time, I’ll be brave enough to document the whole process with photos!
