Want to meet me...

[Smiling JOe]

bumpity.

head on over to your local blood bank and donate. it's free, and you get cookies and tang...

Tang? Gross! Down here, they give out tee-shirts, Orange Juice, sodas, snacks, coozies, etc. and to all who donate, they give a free lunch at the hospital cafeteria, though I ate there only once. No wonder there are so many sick people in the hospital. :funn:

 

[nicdeedoop]

I wish I could but I can't!


You were a member of the of the U.S. military, a civilian military employee, or a dependent of a member of the U.S. military who spent a total time of 6 months on or associated with a military base in any of the following areas during the specified time frames

From 1980 through 1990 - Belgium, the Netherlands (Holland), or Germany
From 1980 through 1996 - Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Italy or Greece

 

[JoshMclean]

I've never heard that before. I would be a little worried if I wasn't allowed to give blood to be honest. What is the reasoning for that?

 

[Smiling JOe]

Josh, just wait until you go through the pre-screening. You may be shocked at some of the questions. One of the screening questions is if you have visited New Orleans since Hurr Katrina. The NW Fl Blood Center tells me that they would rather take precautions in such cases. Got a tattoo? you're out of here. Had sex in exchange for drugs or money? you're out of here, etc

 

[JoshMclean]

No tattoos Joe! I have had sex for money though :clap_1: But, who hasn't?
I've already got it marked on my calendar, I'll be there.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Here are just a handful of the screening questions for the NW FL Blood Center from www.nfbcblood.org:


Potential Donor Eligibility Requirements:

Please carefully read the below eligibility requirements. If you do not meet the following requirements, you should not attempt to donate blood at this time.
Donors must be in generally good health
At least 17 years of age
Must bring picture ID
Weigh at least 110 lbs
Free of infection, fever or flu symptoms, for 3 days
No cancer within the last 5 years
No antibiotics within the last 48 hours
No tattoos within the past 12 months
No chest pain, heart disease, heart surgery (Requires written physician release with diagnosis)
No history of viral hepatitis
Additional FDA Restrictions effective May 31st 2002:
Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more
All military personnel (active & reserve) that are returning from Iraq, are deferred for a period of 1 year after the last date on location in that country.
If you have had a problem donating blood in the past due to low hematocrit (iron related), the below document in PDF format will guide you to several foods that are naturally rich in Iron.

Click Here for helpful Information on Foods that are Rich in Iron​

 

[nicdeedoop]

I was told several years ago that it had something to with Mad Cow Disease....

 

[Teresa Cline]

I have never donated blood before....:shock: dont know why not but I should have...I will be there.

 

[Indigo Jill]

Potential Donor Eligibility Requirements:

Additional FDA Restrictions effective May 31st 2002:
Cannot have lived in France for 5 years or more between 1980 and the present
Cannot have lived or visited in the UK for a total of 3 months or more from 1980 to 1996
Cannot have received a blood transfusion in the UK between 1980 and the present
Military personnel (current and former), and their dependents, who spent time in military bases in northern Europe during 1980-1990, or southern Europe during 1980-1996, for 6 months or more

:shock: My husband is French ... and we travel there often. Why do you think they put "France" in particular (instead of "Western Europe for example)?? I know the UK is dealing with Mad Cow worries...did I miss the same thing about France?

 

[Smiling JOe]

I have never donated blood before....:shock: dont know why not but I should have...I will be there.

:clap_1::clap_1::clap_1:

For answers to the questions of others regarding the reasons for asking the screening questions, please contact the NW FL Blood Center.
Phone Numbers: Pensacola 473-3853
Panama City 785-6958, Ft. Walton 862-4216
(All Numbers are in the 850 Area Code)


Thank to all who are going to donate, no matter where you are. :clap_1: