Blood supply dangerously low – but you can donate locally today

Puget Sound Blood Center has put out a warning that the blood supply is at a critically low level, with many scheduled donations canceled during the snowy/icy weather – but today, according to the PSBC mobile-drive schedule, there are two ways for you to donate close to home: PSBC will have blood drives at Admiral Safeway, 9 am-3 pm (California/Lander; here’s a map), and at Holy Family in White Center, 10 am-4 pm (20th and Roxbury, Tice Hall; here’s a map). Appointments were suggested but the site says walk-ins are welcome.

9 Replies to "Blood supply dangerously low - but you can donate locally today"

  • Steven Schuetz December 27, 2008 (10:53 am)

    Just another reminder. Both my partner and I are universal donors (O negative). We have been in a monogamous relationship for over 12 years. Unfortunately we are unable to give blood because we are gay.

  • WSB December 27, 2008 (11:19 am)

    After reading Steven’s comment it took me quite a bit of searching to find the official government policy on this, so I am posting the link for anyone else who is interested in reading about it:
    http://www.fda.gov/cber/faq/msmdonor.htm

  • missaudreyhorne December 27, 2008 (12:01 pm)

    Wow, that whole FDA page just made me SO ANGRY. Guh.

    I would be over to that blood drive in 5 minutes if I could, but unfortunately they also do not allow people who have had tattoos within a year to donate either.

  • melissa December 27, 2008 (1:50 pm)

    Although I know the FDA rules against gay folks (and many others who are probably safe as safe can be) and HATE those rules, I give because, well, because I can. So, I went over to Holy Family this morning and gave my pint. They were very quiet when I went. It took me maybe 35 minutes all told. Make the time if you can, people. It feels icky, but of all the things you can do that help people, it’s one of the easiest.

  • missaudreyhorne December 27, 2008 (2:07 pm)

    I’m not saying you shouldn’t donate because of the bad rules, I don’t think anyone is. I just wish I could donate!! I’d love to help.

  • melissa December 27, 2008 (5:40 pm)

    Oh, no, MissAudrey, I got that! I was just feeling a little guilty/pissed off/thankful all at once.

  • donor December 27, 2008 (8:41 pm)

    I couldn’t make it today. Is there another time during the week they are in West Seattle? Or a set weekly schedule I can plan on? I really want to do this. thanks for the post!

  • donor December 27, 2008 (8:43 pm)

    nevermind! Duh I check the blood center site – here you go: http://www.psbc.org/programs/drives_schedule.asp

  • Marco December 28, 2008 (12:20 am)

    I can’t donate either, because I’m European. If you lived in any European country that imported British beef during the 80s, you’re forever off the list, because of Mad Cow’s.

    It seems to me, like that shortage can’t be that bad, or those rules would make a bit more sense.

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