Gave blood today.The Columbus Catfish had a Red Cross Bloodmobile set up at the ball park today. And I stopped by to give blood.
I've given blood since ... gosh ... 1976, I guess. I don't remember giving in high school. But, after I graduated, I participated in blood drives.
When I was at the radio station, we'd do remote broadcasts from blood drives and such. And, naturally, I'd participate.
After I went to work in Jacksonville, I didn't give as often. In the Army, they'd have blood drives, and naturally, I'd give then.
After leaving the Army, I haven't given much. They do have blood drives at work, but the seem to often coincide with times I'm not there. Not always, but much of the time. But, I have given when they have drives on dates and times I'm there.
However, last time, timing didn't work out.
But, today, I had the chance. And stopped by and gave blood.
Now, my blood type (A+) isn't rare. It's the 2nd largest type (34%), behind O+ (38%). My red blood cells are useful to only 37% of the U.S. population, but it's some help, at least.
If your blood type is O, your red blood cells are most useful. O+ red blood cells can be taken by 84% of the population, while O- can be used on 100% of the population.
But all types are useful. Not just for red blood cells, but for platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate.
So, if you can, give blood.
