$5 Amazon Gift Card - Donating Blood through Red Cross

hollymolly and bianca42 - I've had a few times of being deferred for low iron too. Last time I was in, the center I use had switched to hematocrit rather than hemoglobin. I guess the FDA is requiring this. This is a little technical, but there was this blog that explained the new rules might lower men's ability to donate: www.bbguy.org/2016/03/30/dude-im-anemic/

The last time I gave, I got reallllllly sick after donating. I think I pushed it too much in the morning. I ate well before and after donating, but I went to a meeting then to water aerobics, then straight to give blood, then I went and got my nails done. I thought I was going to pass out while getting my nails done (to the point that I had to have them stop, get me a coke, put my head between my knees, I was getting the "ocean" sound in my ears, etc). It was also hot out, and I think it was just too much in a row and made my blood sugar tank. It took it out of me for the rest of that day. This time, I scheduled my donation on a day that I'm not exercising and I can go straight there/straight home, I'm going to stay hydrated but maybe not drink quite so much water before to keep my sodium/electrolytes high enough (I get dizzy if I don't eat enough salt generally anyway), and eat an even more substantial meal. It was scary! 

I generally agree, and I don't like the t-shirts simply because I won't wear them (especially if they are white!!), but I also see it as free promotional merchandise for them. If they give you a koozie or t-shirt or lunch bag and you carry it around, it raises awareness and reminds others. The $5 gift card feels a little uncomfortable to me, but it's a great way for them to get PR and drum up more people coming in - not so much for the $5, but just because the news story reminded them. $5 isn't enough to make anyone who wouldn't otherwise do it go ahead and do it, I don't think -- but it is a nice little reminder to get those who keep thinking they want to to pull the trigger because it highlights the need. 

My center does points now and you can pick out an item from an online catalog. They have much nicer items that still promote donating blood, or you can donate the points back. I think it is a pretty great system! They also give out discount coupons to local attractions, which I assume they generally get donated. 

Red Cross is also not the only place to donate (which I know you know, just saying for other people). I have used blood centers 99% of the time, and they also do services like pre-banking your own blood for a surgery, taking blood for guys who are on testosterone (I guess they can't use the blood but need to have it taken somewhat regularly to control the levels in their blood or something, I didn't look into it too much), and other blood services. They are still not-for-profits but do have more than just whole-blood donation services. They seem to be very professional and well-run, good websites and easy to book online, etc. 

Another thing for some people to consider - you can do Double Red Blood Cell, which means you only go every 16 weeks instead of every 8. You are hooked up to a machine (no more needles than just giving whole blood), and it draws out blood, separates the red blood cells, and puts the rest back, so they get equivalent of two donations at once. If you're strapped for time or far from a center, it makes it so you visit less often, although the visit itself does take longer than whole blood only. 

They always hit me up for double red blood cell because I'm O- and CMV-, but I did it once and didn't like the feeling. Something about my blood pressure/blood not pumping fast enough made the machine keep beeping at me, and it just annoyed me. Since I'm consistent every 8 weeks, I figure it's not a big deal to do 2 whole bloods versus 1 DRBC. 

It depends on your blood type too - they need different products depending on your type and the demand in the area. They might ask you about platelets or plasma. You ALWAYS have the right to choose the type of donation you want to do (and they never pester me after I say no to DRBC), but it is good to know the different types of donations so you aren't caught off guard if they ask.