Blood!!

Today at the hospital LifeBlood was taking donations of blood from staff and anyone else who wanted to donate. I haven't ever donated blood before. I tried once before many years ago, but something went wrong and they wouldn't let me. Also, it doesn't help that I really really dislike being poked with a needle. I don't mind poking other people with needles though.

So I decided I'd donate. Me and a couple of my friends went down after work. They do a quick physical on you to make sure you are stable and healthy enough to give blood, and then you sit in a chair and BAM - you're squeezing a ball and blood is pouring out of you into a bag.

In our area they have plenty of O+, A+, and B+ blood, but there is a critical shortage of O-. Regardless of your blood type, or if you don't even know your blood type, it's a good idea to donate!

Working in surgery, I've seen how blood can help first hand. It really does mean the difference between life and death for some people. It is so important to help your community... wherever you live. Someday your children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends may depend on your local blood supply to save thier life.

So go donate! If not to help others, to get a free cookie and some juice!!