I received a number of comments on my post relating to blood type and health. Here’s one from my fraternity brother: “I’m O-neg, I’m a carnivore, and I’ve given over 100 blood donations (over a dozen gallons), including to babies. I think it’s one of the reasons God keeps me around!” Here’s another from one of my Boy Scout pals: “I have given 26 gallons whole and done 250 platelet donations.”
Years ago – I began donating blood. Mainly because I heard that there were health benefits (especially for men) in doing so. And I’m on the bone marrow registry. But maybe I’ve been stingy – judging by the generosity of my friends. I probably went to Lifesource (the local donation venue) a dozen times. Though I haven’t been for a few years.
Only 37% of the American population is eligible to donate blood. Yet according to the American Red Cross only 3% of those eligible donate. Thus – there is nearly always a shortage for the 4.5 million Americans who need a blood transfusion each year. The four blood types were first identified in 1901 by Dr. Karl Landsteiner (won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1930). Of the four – O negative is the “universal donor” that can be given to all blood types.
Every person has about 10 pints of blood in his/her body. How about tithing? Give a pint to your local donation center. It’s not about the hour you’ll spend. It’s about the life you may save. . . . .
