Are You a Blood Donor? (Boise, Idaho Falls: broker, live, vacations)

[Mtn. States Resident]

Blood donors are needed in Eastern Idaho. The summer months are much harder to obtain the needed units. Part is due to vacations and other outdoor activities. Part is all the trauma from visitors enjoying our beautiful ssurroundings with YNP and Grand Teton NP drawing a record number of visitors. The traumas from two NPS and forests, Craters of the Moon and more 5+ million visitors, there will be more MVA'S too. It is not uncommon, in my experience, to have a badly injured patient receive 4-6 units in the E.R. and while being moved to the O.R. Then additional blood can be used in the O.R. and ICU. Twelve to 15 units of blood is not uncommon for bad trauma patients. Also cancer patients, hemophiliacs and others acutely ill patients need blood and blood products in the summer too.

I fully realize not everyone can donate blood for various reasons. I'm at the top of the list since I've had a three unit blood transfusion and I take certain medications, both of which don't allow me to donate blood. Other reasons limit others from donating blood. I wish I could donate blood for blood and blood products as I can never thank three unknown people to me, who saved my life. But I can't. However, I can encourage anyone who can to donate blood. Please help if you can.

Local American Red Cross needing more summer donors - East Idaho News

Thanks to those who can help!

[banjomike]

I used to donate, but I can't anymore. I have to take synthetic thyroid enzyme replacement daily now.
When I was donating I always saw an old guy who had been donating blood every summer since the Korean War.

[Mtn. States Resident]

I live across from a church. Very cool to see a Red Cross van there to complete blood donations closer to home. This also allows me to know how severe the need for blood donations is. I don't recall a van at the church happening in recent years.

I was gone most of the eight hours they collected blood donations. However, their hours were probably noon to 8:00 p.m. so those who work at INL or other jobs with different hours could still donate blood.

Kudos to the Red Cross. And Kudos to all who donated blood, since many of us can't. I probably saw 20 -25 different vehicles when I was home. That is impressive to me

[IdahoBroker]

Thanks for the PSA for a great cause. Blood, plasma and platelet donors are always needed and thank to those of you that care enough to donate. Ironically I was just reading last night about people that are banned due to international travels to certain countries during certain time periods. Unfortunately, I can't donate due to testing positive for Hepatitis and Tuberculosis from my travels, but am glad that all three of my children (now young men) still donate!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by IdahoBroker

Thanks for the PSA for a great cause. Blood, plasma and platelet donors are always needed and thank to those of you that care enough to donate. Ironically I was just reading last night about people that are banned due to international travels to certain countries during certain time periods. Unfortunately, I can't donate due to testing positive for Hepatitis and Tuberculosis from my travels, but am glad that all three of my children (now young men) still donate!

Thanks for posting Idaho broker It's good to have someone else from the Boise area participate in our discussions, especially without trashing what they may not know. Please feel welcome to post in the Idaho Falls forum anytime.

It sounds like you have awesome sons!!

I'm glad you added the part about "thanks to those of you that care enough to donate." You make an excellent point. Many who donate never see blood or blood products used for their families or friends, but continue to help others. I would say donating blood, for those who can donate, is another Idaho Core Value. Helping others even if they don't know them, is an Idaho Core Value, IMO.