Bloodmobile’s in West Seattle Saturday and asking for help

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Just in from Kimberly at Puget Sound Blood Center:

Our community’s blood supply still has not recovered from the holidays and we are having a last-minute drive tomorrow with the hopes of giving it a boost.

We are currently at an Emergency Level (less than 1 day supply) for B- and a Critical Level (less than 2 day supply) for O- … However, all blood types are needed.

Saturday January 30th
Safeway Admiral West Seattle
Bus parked at 2622 California Ave SW
9:00 am- 3:00 pm
(closed 11:30 am – 12:30 pm)

If you donated on or before Dec 5th, you are eligible to donate at this drive
While walk-ins will be accommodated as best as possible, you can make an appointment by calling 800-398-7888

j.see January 29, 2010 (3:56 pm)

Thanks for the info, I was waiting for a drive there next month and didn’t realize the need for my type (B-) was so great. I just made an appointment!

Paul Fadoul January 30, 2010 (8:37 am)

The Federal government still refuses to change the archaic and immoral rule which excludes gay men from donating blood. This rule is based on fear, politics, and prejudice and should be changed. Get educated: google “gay blood” to learn more.
Please donate blood. But if you do, please let them know that you are against the irratioinal policy that prevents gay men from donating blood at a time when donations are sorely needed (which is always!).

Cheryl January 31, 2010 (6:35 pm)

Yes, and those of us who USED to give blood every 2-3 months, but who lived in the UK (England) for more than 6 consecutive months after 1985, are no longer allowed to donate blood either…

It sucks that I can’t give blood and WANT to. That I continued to give blood for YEARS after living in the UK before they enacted the new rules forbidding me to do so. And all for what? The possibility that I might pass Mad Cow disease on?

So utterly (udderly?) ridiculous. And now, there are thousands of people who would give blood (or bone marrow, or organs, etc.) that cannot.

Come on Red Cross and US Gov’t. Get with the program. And for those who AREN’T restricted by their sexuality, or by where they may have lived at one time, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give blood.

KG February 1, 2010 (8:55 am)

Both the American Association of Blood Banks and America’s Blood Centers (PSBC is members of both) have lobbied the FDA to change the restriction. At this time the FDA is unwilling to do that.
It’s recommended that you contact the FDA and your US Congressional Rep in the house and senate about the restriction. http://www.fda.gov/comments.html
Thank you for still encouraging others to donate.

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