I can’t give blood. When I was in college the Bloodmobile came to campus. I was totally honest and told them that I had once taken Dilantin for juvenile epilepsy (I was cured). They put me on temporary exclusion, “just in case.” This was around '83-'84.
The next year, the Bloodmobile came back and I tried again. I was totally honest and told them I was on temporary exclusion, and why. The wretched old bitch-hag who was interviewing me sneered, “Actually, I’m placing you on the permanent exclusion list, so we’ll know if you ever try to give blood anywhere else ever again.” I was total scum in her eyes. The memory of this still makes me cringe with humiliation and anger.
So, how can I give blood??? I still feel like I’m marked for life.
I understand your frustration. My Dad’s permanently excluded in two countries (he faints spectacularly). He’s unhappy and he feels guilty and unfairly dealt with. He deals with it by giving people lifts to the blood bank. It would help and it might make you feel better to try something like this. Maybe you could hand out some coffee or something to those in line.
I have never regretted my health so much… I wanted to be first in line, but they won’t take my blood or Mr. Bobkitty’s. picmr is right- there are other ways to help out. Mr. Bobkitty is organizing the blood drive at his work, getting people to schedule times so that all offices are covered, contacting the proper people, etc. I’ll be there that day, handing out cookies and OJ and chatting with people (many of whom have never given blood before and are a little nervous). I sent in funds to the Red Cross… it’s not much, but it’s still appreciated.
Mr. Bobkitty had a hell of a day at work yesterday. Imagine a group of people who are already suffering from anxiety and paranoia, then throw this in. He eventually had to send all his patients home, and stayed until almost midnight running grief/coping sessions with all three shifts of the staff. People really want to talk about this, with anyone who will take the time to listen. Perhaps your local senior center, nursing home, hospital, etc., needs volunteers to sit with patients and talk to them about their fears. I imagine people who lived through Pearl Harbor are terrified of what could happen next.
Just because you can’t donate blood doesn’t negate all the other ways you can help.