Saturday happenings
I gave blood again today via apheresis. I received my 1 gallon pin (I've given much more blood ... but one gallon via apheresis).
Today was somewhat of a witnessing opportunity as well. Tonya was my phlebotomist and I had an opportunity (not as effective I would like) to chat with her about the Savior. I should have had a Gospel of John to give her but I did not.
Now waiting for my brother to arrive. He doesn't know it yet, but I want to tske him to the gas station to fill up my 5 gallon gas can and then fill up my tractor.
Then afterwards to play pool.
Son will be with us for dinner tonight.
Is it true that you can get free money for giving blood in most cities? Where do you sign up?
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the $$ thing. Where I give, no $$ is involved. I did take 2 Cokes with me when I left (I felt very dehydrated).
ReplyDeleteNo, you cannot receive money for blood. Plasma, in some places, but not blood. The reason is simple; do you want drug addicts trading a pint for their next fix? Blood can only be donated by volunteers, and the only reward you get is a pin for your gallons and some cookies afterwards.
ReplyDeleteJim, one other thought; you can keep a running tally with the blood center--my 11 gallons includes one in Lansing, MI, two donations in LA, about seven gallons in Colorado, and two gallons here.
Yeah, I love those pins for some weird reason.
Not being a medical doctor, I have to ask: What's the difference between giving blood and giving plasma? I've heard anectodal stories about giving blood (or maybe it was plasma) and how it's often in a rougher part of town and from people who sometimes are in desperate situations. I guess it's never really appealed to me, but now I'm thinking of changing my mind. If the economy keeps up like it has been lately, I might be one who believes in "blood for oil." (or gas for the car)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking you'd ask that while riding to work today. At any rate, whole blood is simply a better carrier of disease than plasma for two reasons. First of all, nasty viruses like HIV can only live in a cell, and plasma has no cells. It's just a liquid. Second, most plasma is dried for storage and reconstituted when needed, and this process also tends to kill any pathogens that survive the filtering process.
ReplyDelete(can't do that with whole blood)
I heartily encourage you to give blood or plasma if you're a good candidate (no IV drugs, prostitution, or gay sex). If not, please don't; Jim and I and others will take up the slack.
Thanks for the info. And guess what the news is today? Anyone?
ReplyDeleteYes, once again it's "Oil today reaches new record high." I might have to look up the blood bank's (or wherever you give plasma)address and see what they give you to give plasma. Any estimates?
I seem to remember $15 from when I was back in college, but that info is getting to be 20 years old. Try Google for a respectable estimate.
ReplyDelete