Something I received from a college professor at Berkeley.
>>(I originally wrote the following for my students, so some of the language
reflects that audience. The website is the national website for the
American Red Cross. The phone # of 1-800-GIVE-LIFE is a national phone
number to the appointment calendar of all ARC Blood banks, and is likely
to be busy for days.)
I went to the Blook Bank this morning and learned the following.
[1] At the Blood Bank at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland (just above College
Ave), the wait for "walk-ins" is estimated at 4 hours today. They suggest
making an appointment, by going to www.BeADonor.com. The appointment you
receive may not be for a couple of weeks, but THAT IS OK. The blood given
today will all expire on the same day, and they anticipate there will be a
need for blood for some time.
[2] Alternatively, there are centers at 140 Gregory Lane #120, Pleasant
Hill, and 2731 No. First St., San Jose, and throughout the Bay Area. Look
up "Blood Bank" or "Blood Center" in the business section of the white
pages. However, these centers are also likely to be booked full for the
week.
[3] In general:
It takes about 45-60 minutes from the time your name is called until
you're out the door. It doesn't hurt much. You should eat something and
drink something other than coffee before hand. They'll have cookies and
juice for you for afterwards.
If you aren't sure if you qualify to be a donor, go to www.BeADonor.com.
The eligibility form is online. You can fill it out and find out
immediately whether you can be a donor.
[4] Finally, when the Oakland Hills fire devastated this area, my aunt and
uncle whose house burned to the ground were two of the folks who received
donations from the American Red Cross. My aunt noted that the
spiritual/emotional comfort that stood behind the tangible donations was
just as important as the clothes and food and housing vouchers. If you
can't give blood, if you want to do more, and if you can, consider
donating money to the American Red Cross. Donations can be sent to
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington DC
20013, or you can donate online at www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html
M.<< |
