A PSA
The monstrous event in Orlando - which is worth several rants in itself - has created a huge demand for blood. Fifty-three people wounded, some of whom are still struggling in hospitals. Many of you may have seen the long lines of people waiting to donate blood in Orlando after the shooting, but don't think that it will be enough.
I took myself off to donate today, and learned a few things. Now, the Red Cross doesn't do blood collection in Florida, but they have just recently BANNED Florida residents and visitors - within the last four weeks - from donating blood due to the fact that the Zika virus is now active in Florida. The man at the blood bank couldn't speak for the organization that does do blood collecting in Florida, and had no idea how they were handling donations, but he said the need for blood there is desperate.
Given that gay men are also banned from donating blood, and this was an attack on a gay bar, it is all the more important for those of us who are allies, who can donate, to go out and spend the short time to donate. It's not that bad, and you get cookies, so GO!
I took myself off to donate today, and learned a few things. Now, the Red Cross doesn't do blood collection in Florida, but they have just recently BANNED Florida residents and visitors - within the last four weeks - from donating blood due to the fact that the Zika virus is now active in Florida. The man at the blood bank couldn't speak for the organization that does do blood collecting in Florida, and had no idea how they were handling donations, but he said the need for blood there is desperate.
Given that gay men are also banned from donating blood, and this was an attack on a gay bar, it is all the more important for those of us who are allies, who can donate, to go out and spend the short time to donate. It's not that bad, and you get cookies, so GO!