They had a poster with several questions- age, weight, height, recent travel restrictions- so not everyone can donate. To donate blood you must be: healthy, be at least 17 years old (in most states), and weight 110 (more restrictions if 18 or under).

The first time I went, I got asked a bunch of questions. They registered me and I got a card in the mail with my blood type on it.

This time, after answering a few questions, they took my blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. Then they pricked my finger to get my iron levels (hemoglobin/hematocrit). Unfortunately, my iron level was just below the range to be able to donate. They gave me a sheet of paper that told me things to should eat to get my iron back up to be able to donate next time. I waited for my co-worker while he went through the eligibility and donating process while at the “snack table”. I talked to the volunteer there and I was reminded once again that I should be taking a daily multi-vitamin. She and I had a long conversion about that and also her background as a volunteer and that she was trying to get back into nursing after being away for a long time.

If I were able to donate blood, the process goes like this and only takes about 10 minutes. They take you back and lie down on a table. They clean off an area on your arm and insert a needle. It does feel like a pinch and stings a little bit. You hold and squeeze a ball until about a pint of blood has been collected. They bandage you up and you lay upright. I always sit still for a minute before trying to walk. They then direct you to the “snack table”.

They offer you a drink and cookies. After about 10 minutes or so (when you feel fine to get up and move around), you are free to leave. Once, I got light headed after donating so I stayed about half an hour and just kept drinking juice.

They suggest that you drink a little extra water, get plenty rest, and eat a healthy meal before donating. Afterwards, they suggest an easy afternoon/evening with no heavy lifting.

Since last week, I have remembered to take my multivitamin about half the time (which is better than zero before) so hopefully I can get my iron back up to donate in 8 weeks- which is how often you can donate!

Here is a link for first time donors.

Please consider donating blood. I realize that not everyone can handle needles, but it is a good cause. There are blood drives every day in my area and there are also offices where you can schedule appointments.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/