Speaking of veins, last week I coordinated a blood drive with the LGRCC Women In Business for the Red Cross.
I also donated, hitting my personal 4 gallon mark. The drive raised 26 units, saving up to 84 lives, depending on each patient’s need. It’s taken me almost 10 years to have that impact on an individual level. The sense of pride and community is amazing.
A friend of mine brought her whole family to celebrate her daughter’s first birthday. Without 3 units of blood after a difficult birth, she wouldn’t have been here for it. Her father and husband donated with her, while I held the baby and her son gave moral support.
Leading up to the blood drive, I was recruiting donors, and didn’t want to deter anyone by talking about my reservations and concerns.
I’m proud of the difference that I’ve made, that the Red Cross has facilitated. Now I’d like to talk about my frustrations, and why I do it anyway.
The next day, I was a bit shaky and out of sorts. It took a few days for me to feel like I got enough sleep.
I had some bruising at the site. There was a little difficulty getting my donation started, and they had to move the needle a bit. Sometimes they go right through my vein and out the other side. But the actual needle-in-arm bit only takes about 10 minutes. Then I had apple juice and cheese-its, a combo I reserve for special occasions like these.
The discomfort for me starts before the drive. I have trouble soliciting donations, because of the ban on gay men donating. The Red Cross states:
“The FDA guidance … states, “Defer for 12 months from the most recent sexual contact, a man who has had sex with another man during the past 12 months.” All U.S. blood collection organizations must follow this federal requirement.”
To my ear, this sounds like the organization is passing the buck. Just doing what they’re told, not passing judgement.
They have a rainbow “celebrating diversity” signature on their emails.
But they don’t believe there’s enough research to determine if a gay man, even one who’s only ever been in a single monogamous relationship, can safely contribute to the blood supply.
And yet, who has more impact on the direction of research on blood supply than the Red Cross? Who else claims greater influence? They have a federal charter.
They supply 40% of the blood supply in the US, and spend millions on their own research.
This is not the first stain on their donation policies. During WWII the Red Cross initially rejected blood donations from African Americans. When supplies became critical, they accepted, and segregated, blood from people of color.
At the same time, they hired a black man, Dr. Charles Drew to develop their blood bank for the war effort.
Having done great work does not mean you can rest.
Falling short does not mean giving up. So I’ll continue to recruit, coordinate, and donate.
I’ll take iron supplements, and sleep in the next day.
I’ll continue to discuss this issue, in the hopes that the Red Cross respects my voice as much as I respect their efforts, and one day accepts the contributions of gay men the same way that they do mine.
I don’t know if I agree on the topic with the donor who saved my mother’s life, the year before I was born. I don’t know if it was easy for them. But I know they did it, because that’s the only reason I’m here today.
And so I’ll celebrate another successful blood drive (the day after).
Alcohol and caffeine are discouraged after donating. I’ve tried it, and can’t recommend. Terribly hungover from two drinks, this is a prohibition I totally support.
It’s a terrible shame, because the Holiday Inn of Lake George hosted us, and they have a great lounge with a totally over the top happy hour. Of course there’s drink specials.
But there’s also nibbles. Different nibbles every day. Free, as long as you’re buying drinks. Thursday is wings, and they smelled so good, but I didn’t indulge.
So a few of us went to the Adirondack Pub and Brewery the following day.
This blog isn’t about beer. But like I said, sometimes you pine in vain, sometimes your thirst is quenched.
I know what I like, but I always get a sampler to try their new and exciting releases. I had the eggplant fries, one of my favorite things on the menu. The IPA is on Wave#6, and just keeps getting better.
It’s very important to refill your tank after a blood donation!
If you’re interested in donating, reach out and I’ll help you get involved. Or, just follow me here or on Instagram, @Thirst_and_pine and meet me at the next drive.
If you’re interested in learning more about Red Cross donor policy, the inimitable Dr. Charles Drew, the pub I went to or the happy hour I missed, links are below.
http://www.lakegeorgeturf.com/the-resort/dining/
https://www.biography.com/people/charles-drew-9279094
Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements | American Red Cross
https://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements
Thirst and Pine 