OK, so in lieu of Red Cross, what organization can I give my blood and money to that does a better job of disaster relief and managing donations?
Me too. The blood drives we have at work are put on by the Community Blood Center in Kansas City (although I think the crew that does our blood drives is based out of Topeka) so I know it stays local.
They have a website where you can search for blood drives in the area, and I also see their drives listed in the newspaper quite often. They make it pretty easy for you to find one.
Just do a search on this site to find a local blood bank.
My local blood bank is listed on it. Just gave my 3rd gallon (whole) to them. The blood center is just a couple of miles from our house, so I usually pop in after work. If there is a drive somewhere along my route home within a couple of days of my being eligible to donate again, then I’ll swing by the RV and donate that way. We have drives at work 3 or 4 times a year, but I’ve only donated once or twice here since I’m usually in between donations when they schedule them.
From a time perspective, I find it more convenient to go to the donation center (which happens to be near my house) than go to the blood drives. Every blood drive I have ever been to has inevitably been backed up and resulted in a lot of waiting even if I had an “appointment”. On the other hand, at the donation center I can stop in on a day off and be in and out without a lot of sitting around.
I haven’t gotten into a routine, but I get postcards from one specific donation site where I’ve gone before. Also, they called me last week. I don’t know if they need A positive or if that’s normal.
Ain’t nothin’ easy ‘bout squeezin’ a pumpkin! That’s why it’s supposed to be LEMON squeezy, you infidel.
Most places that run blood drives will do them every 8 weeks, so you can just find someplace convenient for you (churches are often a good bet) and just go whenever they have one.
Myself, I donate to United Blood Services, since the Red Cross won’t take my blood (I have hereditary hemochromotosis, which doesn’t make my blood unsafe, but does generate paperwork/red tape that the Red Cross has decided they don’t want to deal with), but I don’t think they operate out East.
Call your favorite local bakery and ask if they have a regular blood drive? If they don’t suggest that they work something out with a local mobile blood bank. I only suggest this as you are more likely to get your free brownie this way.
Bah… if it was easy, everyobody’d be doing it.
Look up the Red Cross online. They list where the bloodmobile and when. I wish I could give blood but I have a low hemocrit.
Wow. I was an active volunteer for the ARC for 15 years. CPR instructor and also worked disasters, including several hurricanes. I can absolutely guarantee that a ton of people get, and have gotten help, from the Red Cross.
Nemo, is there a hospital near you? Go check with them about donating. If they don’t do drives there, they can most assuredly point you at who does.