She says the Red Cross couldn't function without helpers who assist donors in filling out forms, serve as escorts, help in the canteen, answer telephones, drive and perform clerical duties. Saturday slots are always the hardest to fill. Dunaway is concerned about a common misconception that taking medication makes people ineligible to donate blood. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma, as well as those taking birth control pills, are usually able to donate. Staff members carefully screen each potential donor.
All blood is tested extensively before being released to hospitals.
It has to be there, ready for whoever needs it. Here's something to remember as you decide what to give for Christmas. Every pint of blood we give decreases the chance of a burn victim not getting plasma, a trauma patient not getting whole blood or a cancer patient not getting platelets. The American Red Cross' Wichita Blood Center is extending its hours today because the weather this past week has hampered usual blood collection efforts. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.