American Red Cross

did you know only 8% of americans donate blood?

i know this because roberto told me.

and he's been in the biz for 10 years now.

so it has to be true.

i try to give blood every few months.

but realized i hadn't been since september of last year.

shame on me.

it's a simple process, really.

first, they take you behind a little sectional

and prick your finger to test your iron levels,

take your blood pressure and temperature,

and verify your information.

then they have you sit at the computer to answer some questions.

questions like:

"in the last 12 months, have you had sex with a man

who has also had sex with a man?"

fortunately, i passed that test.

when you're done with that, they take you to the table to prep.

they make a couple of marks to guide them,

then they clean you up with iodine...

then...there's about .2 seconds where i panic

right before they stick the needle in.

and though i've done this a handful of times,

i still always have to ask,

"is this going to hurt? should i look?"

before i have time to blink or decide to look,

it's done.

then i remember it's really not that big of a deal.

it can take anywhere from 4-15 minutes to fill the pint bag.

mine took 9.

i asked ricardo how soon my "A positive" blood would be used by someone.

he said two days!

he also said the average person who needs a blood transfusion

needs about 5-8 pints.

if only 8% of americans donate 1 pint every 2 months....

well.

you do the math.

i vow to not let an entire year go by before i donate again.

i honestly didn't know blood supply was in such high demand.

now i do.

and i encourage you to go donate too!

xoxo