07.22.08
I’m Ready to Give Again
 Sorry, but I really love old propaganda posters… |
This is a tad off-topic, so I’ll be brief.
As many of you know, and have enjoyed talking to me about, I graced my left shoulder with a pig tattoo a little over a year ago. It’s a decision that I’ve neither regretted nor second-guessed even once in the time I’ve had it. However, there was one unintended consequence of this action.
I was unable to be a blood donor in the past year having gotten the tattoo. Now, I’m not saying that people should avoid getting tattoos for the sake of remaining in the blood donation pool, but for those of you who have not gotten one in the past year, please call the Red Cross (1-800-GIVE-LIFE) and schedule an appointment.
I’m now eligible again, and yesterday I donated a double unit of platelets, and I plan on going back again in two weeks.
Someone you love, at sometime in their life, will need blood in some form. I wish it weren’t the case, but I guarantee it.
Please be thankful for your good health, and then pass on this blessing to those who are less fortunate. Someday, it might be you who needs this help. And if you’re counting on me to save you, well, I may be off getting another tattoo…
Stumble it!
Chip said,
July 22, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Since I recently got a tattoo in Kansas City, I learned that the Community Blood Bank here will allow you to donate blood during the first year after getting a tattoo if it was done at a licensed tattoor parlor in either Kansas or Missouri. Every blood bank might have their own requirements, so just because someone has recently received a tattoo does not necessarily mean they will have to wait to donate.
Matt said,
July 22, 2008 at 4:56 pm
A wonderful sentiment indeed. Unfortunately people like me are unable to help out. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration currently bans me and all other gay men from donating blood, regardless of the fact that I’m completely physically able to do so. This ban has been in place since 1985 and is completely archaic.
Chef Matt said,
July 22, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Chip - That is awesome news indeed. People, do what you can to donate where you are! Thanks for sharing!
Matt - I couldn’t agree more with you. On the one hand, I know they put up all sorts of restrictions to keep the blood supply safe. On the other, they are always complaining that there is not enough blood. They need to drop this ridiculous ban on gay men from donating. Think of how many more eligible, healthy and totally safe donors this would create in the pool. Here’s hoping that someday you will be able to donate Matt!
Elle Kasey said,
July 23, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Great PSA. I think I need to get back on the roster.
Eize said,
July 23, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I need to check if I’m eligible. I meet most of the physical criteria that makes me eligible to donate, but I really want to be certain.
Chef Matt said,
July 28, 2008 at 8:17 am
Elle - If this simple post gathered one more donor, than it was worth it!
Eize - If you want to see the Red Cross eligibility requirements, here is the link:
http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html
Eize said,
July 28, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Thanks for the link, Chef Matt!
Hmmm…I think I may be eligible! Now where’s my local Red Cross?