Recently I was contacted by the
American Red Cross to donate blood.
Roland gets contacted every two months - like the American Cross has
preprogrammed for automatic dial. With
me, it really is a matter of desperation.
Roland's blood type is in the rare percentage that can be used on
babies. I don't know who may have ended
up with my blood. Somebody who needed it
- but not in major quantity.
The last time Roland had been
contacted, he learned that there would be a blood drive at the local high
school. He told me about it and had actually
made appointments for both of us. Or at least that was my understanding.
So when I was contacted, I told the
caller that I already had an appointment.
Two days later I was told there would no longer be a drive at the high
school, but that I could donate in Canyonville that day or at the Elk's Lodge
her in Myrtle Creek today. Thursday is
Roland's late day, and so I did not think that would work for him, but he
thought he would be able to do it during his lunch hour. Say what?
As I recall, it was a dreary day when I
received the call and I didn't particularly want to drive to Canyonville in
that kind of weather. So I set up the appointments
for today. I just couldn't remember what
time.
Thus I drove there this morning and was
told that my name had not been added to the list and that the list was full and
they would not be receiving walk-ins.
Too bad. Somebody didn't
communicate very well. Meanwhile they
lost two others that had come as walk-ins and lost two unable to keep
appointments.
Four chair/beds were set up for donators.
I think the same amount of booths for screening. Unfortunately for all of us, this particular
chapter seemed to be quite understaffed - even for those that did have appointments. Too bad.
The two men that were there looked capable of finding my veins right
away (which seems to be a challenge to almost everybody who has poked me)
I guess we'll have to try again later. I
know that blood is needed. Apparently
even blood like mine.
