If you are out of state and wish to donate in my name....
You will need to know my full name (which I don't post here, but you can email me - at debsterc(at)earthlink.net - replace the at with @, and that the donor hospital is MD Anderson Houston, and my patient ID. I'd be so grateful and honored if you donate that.
Here is what Sis #1 posted. Another number that can be called if you want to do a blood drive in Houston and need a mobile unit - 713.792.7777.
About out of state donations. I was told by the good folks at MD Anderson that some blood banks and hospitals out of state have a reciprocal relationship with MD Anderson. So if you say you are donating for a particular person there, they will still give her credit, even if she doesn't get that particular blood.
For more information about this, contact someone at MD Anderson at (713) 792-7788 or maybe your local people will know if they have a reciprocal relationship. I have already had reports from out of town folks that their blood centers had reciprocal relationship with MD Anderson.
Here is more information about donating to a friend or family member at MD Anderson:
What is the Family and Friends Blood Program?
This new program helps us manage the specific blood component requirements of each patient, as well as the flexibility to maintain an adequate blood supply for all patients. Units of blood collected from people whose donation is triggered by concern for a specific patient are credited to that patient’s account as a replacement unit of blood. These units are processed and placed in the general inventory for routine use. Patients who avail themselves of this program will have priority access to blood or blood components for transfusion when the need arises.
What is a replacement donation? What is a blood transfusion credit?
Individuals may donate to replace blood that has been used by a patient. This is called a replacement donation, and the donor may ask that a monetary credit be issued to a specific patient’s account. This may be done at M. D. Anderson or any other blood banks that participate in the American Association of Blood Banks' National Blood Exchange.
For more overall information about MD Anderson's blood donation program or general information about giving blood or platelets, check out their website:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/bloodbank/
Cheers! I challenge first time blood donors. As soon as I get clearance, I'm going to become a regular donor.
Posted by debutaunt at November 16, 2005 10:22 AMI checked with my Red Cross, and they said they no longer do the credit thing where someone out of state can get a checkmark for my donation.
But I am going in next week anyway, and will be thinking of you.
Posted by: Ritterskoop at November 16, 2005 01:21 PMYo Debu, I hate to burst your bubble of enthusiasm, but you won't be able to donate blood once you are done with the Crazy 88s.
According to the FAQs, you can't donate if:
Have ever had cancer, other than basal cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix
But I am sure you will be a recruiter deluxe.
I believe the blood banks with the credit relationship are those who are members of the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
sadly my dear, sis#1 is correct. i am a longtime donor and donate as often as i can (the blood bank actually calls my house when i'm eligible), so i know the do's and don'ts of donation. currently, i can't donate as it hasn't been 56 days, but i keep you in my prayers regardless!
e-mail me your name sister, I'll check the stats in my area.
Posted by: Rachel at November 16, 2005 10:33 PMSome of Deb's friends are holding an unofficial blood drive at MDA's blood bank on Friday after Turkey day. If anyone else wants to go, feel free to get in contact with me or just call and make an appointment if you wish to donate platelets otherwise you can just show up to donate whole blood.
d1forlove@aol.com
Posted by: D1 at November 16, 2005 10:47 PM