Posted by Terri Hardin under HospitalityResponses (0)

The New York Blood Center is after my blood. One day, they called me: “Can you donate? We really need your blood type.”

Need MY blood type? I wondered. My blood type is the equivalent of the name of Smith. Even so, I happened to be taking antibiotics and so could not donate. We set an appointment for another month, but when it came around I had the flu. I rescheduled, but the trains were late and I missed that appointment.

By the time I got to my office desk, New York Blood Center was on the phone. “Can you come by this afternoon? We really need your blood type.”

When I arrived that afternoon, it was just in time to see a healthy-looking man depart without donating because he had recently traveled in India. “Too bad,” he said, “I love to give blood.”

Then it was my turn. After going through the lengthy questionnaire, I offered up my fingertip for the “iron test.” I failed to have the requisite amount of iron in my system; apparently, the recent bout of flu had sapped me of minerals. “Too bad,” said the nurse. “Have a cookie anyway.”

That was last week, and they called me yesterday. “Can you donate? We really need your blood type.” And so I made another appointment. Then the person asked, “Is there anyone at your office who would like to donate blood as well?” I held the phone to my chest, and yelled, “Anyone want to donate blood?” After a lengthy silence, I spoke into the receiver, “Sorry, no takers.”

Like the man who had traveled to India, I’m always happy to donate blood. And while I’m a little wierded out by the Center’s unusual pursuit, I’m looking forward to my next appointment.

Why? Recently, several of my family members have undergone operations. What would have happened to them if they had needed blood and there was none available?

Donating a pint of blood is such an easy way to save someone’s life. Why don’t we all do it?

In fact, since charity is all the rage among meeting attendees, why not organize an event around everyone giving blood? Call your local blood bank today.