Giving Blood: Despite recent American Red Cross controversy it’s still the right thing to do

                   Good Day Humboldt County!

 Donating blood is a personal decision. Some of us do and some of us don’t. In recent years I’ve averaged a half dozen annual visits to the Mobile Blood van when it comes to McKinleyville.

They seem to like my B-Positive donations and I tell myself I’m helping someone with my blood. It’s a feel-good thing that takes little effort on my part, but could be crucial to someone else. So, it’s only natural that I get concerned when I read stories that claim the American Red Cross has been fined for unsafe blood management practices. Even more troubling, this is the second time in two years they have been warned to improve their blood collection methods.

I noted that the article was talking about offices on the east coast, and in no way suggested we have any problems on the west coast in Humboldt County. I will continue to donate despite this bad press. It’s a chance I feel is worth taking. I do precious little for people other than to attempt to entertain them with my words. My social circle is mostly family, but I still like to contribute to society somehow. If my blood saves a life then I can say I’ve made a worthy contribution.

If you’ve heard about the mistakes the American Red Cross has had, please don’t let it harden your heart. Don’t cut off the whole organization because of problems in some offices. Take a moment and go here to see the great things the agency has done and continues to do.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a few moments with me.

Time to walk on down the road…