I dontated a few weeks ago and it was still pretty busy.  Had an appt. at 5pm but gad to wait in line about an hour before I started the donation.

Spoke with a red cross exec last night and he told me that so much blood was collected because they anticipated massive casualties.  Sadly, that was not the case.  This was good in the sense that they were able to store this blood and it will give an extra cushion for awhile.  What they should not have done is said that they collected more than they need.  Now a lot of the first time donors are figuring there isn't a need when the truth is there is always a need as banks run into shortages all of the time.

I called the Red Cross by noon on 9-11 to volunteer time and blood.  They were already swamped.  They said to go to an organized drive at the community college the next day.  I got there about 1300, and they were turning people away.  I call to set up an appointment, and I had to wait until 6OCT.

I donate, like I did back in March, but unlike March, about 3 days later I get a letter in the mail:

"Please do not attempt to donate blood in the future"  Then it directs me to the test results.  I turn to the test results, and in big bold letters at the top of the first page its says [b]HIV/AIDS[/b].  After my eyes stopped bulging, since the only boom-boom I've had in the last 10 years has been with my ex-wife and current girlfriend, I get around to reading that the tests on that page were negative. WHEW!

Hepatitis was negative for the virus, but I had an elevated liver enzyme level, so I am now on a list of people who are forbidden from ever giving blood, just because I had gone out partying 2 days before the donation.  Doctor says I am A-okey-dokey, but the heavy drinking before the testing would have skewed it.  My enzymes are now back to normal levels.  Irregardless, I can't give blood ever again, due to FDA regulations.

Points being 1.:  I'm pissed that the ONE way that I was able to help has been taken away from me.  2.:  I sure the EFF wish they didn't send a form letter saying the reason your rejected is on the following page, and the first damn thing you see is HIV/AIDS!  I've done a lot of emergency medical assistance in the past few years, and even though you observe the protocols, you just never know.  Man, talk about almost dying of a heart attack!

Oh, well.  The President said that he is making more opportunities for Americans to volunteer during the crisis.  Sign me up, George!  This being unemployed, being unable to re-enlist, and not even being able to give something of myself is a pain in the ass!

I'm a big guy.  I'll donate a little extra O+ for you next time.  [:)]

A whole two times.  Once in late June and once a few weeks ago.  I'm 28 and don't have any excuses for not donating, but will be from now on.