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Health and Fitness

Why Donate Blood?

My short answer is, “It makes me feel good.”
Why does it make me feel good? Because it makes me feel like I am doing good.
You see, I don’t have huge wads of money to shower on the Red Cross in Oregon or Puget Sound Blood Center in Washington. But I am blessed with good health.
So, I feel it is a small thing every eight weeks or so for me to donate a pint of whole blood or a bag of platelets (apheresis) to someone not a “rich” as me.
Besides, the blood donation volunteers and staff are the neatest people in the world. They take good care of donors from start to finish. They thank you at every turn and ply you with all the juice and cookies you can hold in the cantina after the donation.
Donors are made to feel like stars. And I must admit; it feels really good to be treated like a celebrity now and then.
I got started donating blood when I was age 20. Now, after more than 40 years I have donated about 120 units: half platelets and half whole blood.
In truth, I was inspired by my dad, who regularly donated until he died at age 68. Another of my role models, Frank, donated blood well into his ninth decade. These WWII vets knew firsthand how blood donation can mean the difference between life and death.
Donating again recently reminded me that not only can I donate, I can spread the word. I encourage you to make an appointment and donate blood.
Even if it’s a little scary, please be brave. Try to remember that you are saving a life.
And I promise – nothing feels better than that!
Portland Blood Donation Center: http://www.redcrossblood.org/; 1-800-733-2767
Puget Sound Blood Center:  http://www.psbc.org; call 1-800-398-7888