That’s my plan for Monday morning.  This is one of the easiest ways I give back to my community. In less than 2 hours, I can change the world for someone else.  I copied this from the website of the hospital where I donate every 6-8 weeks:

When you become a volunteer blood donor you give:

…another birthday
…another anniversary
…another day at the beach
…another night under the stars
…another talk with a friend
…another laugh
…another hug
…another chance

What are you donating and how does it help patients?

Platelets are irregularly shaped colorless cells that are present in blood. Their sticky surface lets them, along with other substances, form clots to stop bleeding. Patients who need platelets are often critically ill from diseases such as leukemia and other types of cancer, or certain blood disorders that interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets. Many of today’s modern treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy destroy platelets. Our need for donors is never-ending because platelets can only be stored for five days.

Plasma makes up about 55% of your blood.

It is the fluid portion of your blood, which carries all other blood components such as coagulation factors and plasma proteins that may be lacking or defective in recipients. Patients who receive plasma nclude those with: severe burns, organ transplant, clotting disorders, rare blood diseases, severe trauma, and patients undergoing surgical procedures. Those who receive plasma often have lost a significant amount of blood and fluid and may require multiple transfusions. Plasma may be frozen and stored for up to one year.

Red Blood Cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

These cells are most often needed after significant blood loss through trauma or for patients undergoing surgery or experiencing anemia. Red blood cells can be donated every two months (56 days).

Does it hurt?

Donating blood is not painful. You’ll only feel a slight pinch when the needle is placed in your arm. We have TVs and a selection of current DVD movies available at each station so that you can relax and feel at home while donating blood. We also have wireless internet access so you can bring your laptop while you donate.

How can you help?

Give a special gift of life! A volunteer blood donor is a very special person. When you become a donor you know you are helping someone who is in critical need of a blood product. There is no way to obtain a life giving donation except through the generosity of healthy donors like YOU!

What is holding you back from being a donor?  Fear?  Time?  Apathy?  All of those are conquerable! Go save a life people.  Your community needs you.