Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro
Pediatrician
Dr Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego earning a B S in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and a B A in Political Science He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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  • Attending Physician, Providence Tarzana Regional Medical Center
YEARS IN PRACTICE: 6
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American Red Cross: One Way to Donate
17
Posted in ADHD / ADD by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Nov 09, 2008

Earlier this year I donated blood at my daughter's school for its annual American Red Cross Blood Donor Drive.  After the 30 minutes process was over, I vowed to make a more conscious effort to donate again in the near future as I enjoyed the thought I would be helping someone who might be in great need one day.  Well, when I received the call to donate again, I can't say I was overly accommodating as I simply replied, "I just don't have the time to drive that far."  And although this was true, I ultimately felt bad for giving this excuse, particularly when a horrible train accident occurred within miles of my house just a week or two after I had received that call.


So when the second call from the American Red Cross came just a couple of weeks ago, I asked if there was a more proximal location I could donate at.  Now it would not have mattered as I was willing to make the drive this time, but fortunately there was an American Red Cross center just a few miles from my house.  So on the day of donating, I arrived at my designated time, read the necessary donor agreement, had my vitals taken, answered a brief questionnaire, then made my way to the donating chair.  There were a few already in the process of donating but certainly room for others to join in.  I actually recognized the phlebotomist as he was the same person who took my blood at my daughter's school earlier in the year.  He was quite friendly, very professional and we had a nice brief conversation during the few minute process.


And just like earlier in the year, I walked away from this experience feeling very good about what I had done...coming to someone's aid one day down the line.


So where am I going with all this?  Well, many may believe I'm just making a push to donate blood.  And while that may be partially true, I'm making a bigger push for everyone to just donate...whether it be time, money, clothes, canned goods, or even hair (my daughter did this for children undergoing chemotherapy).  Not only will you be helping someone in need, I promise it will be life-enriching as well.


And for those who are looking to donate blood, here is a link to the American Red Cross website...http://www.redcross.org/index.html.


Have a great week.


 


Dr. Jeremy


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Displaying comments 17-1 of 17
17
I would give blood every day and help save thousands of lives, but because I am a gay american pastor in a celibit relationship, I am too HIGH of a risk to donate. More Hate in America and thousands may die because of these rules.
By swindiana47591  Nov 22, 2008
16
My daughter started donating blood while she was attending high school and she says that she decided that she wanted to give blood while her dad was in the ICU at the hospital..Great doctors, nurses, blood and plasma donations and prayer saved his life. Her sister just donated for the 1st time last week and she was so excited when she found out through literature she was given by the Red Cross that she could save at least 6 people with her donation..Thank you all for donations! You could be the One who saved my husband!!!
By mjmiracle  Nov 21, 2008
15
The only time I have donated blood I was very happy with the experience (though I about passed out and had my world a swimming a few times from trying to get up to fast and not relaxing enough). However, when I asked the phlebotomist how the blood and blood products would be used. The answer I got shocked me and made me want to donate more. The phlebotomist told me that 3 different people would be saved with the pint of blood I was donating. I looked at her and told her that she could take two if she wanted. She laughed and said only one was needed at this time and that I could go back in 2 months to redonate.

I think it's important for people to know that more than 1 person gets help by a donation of a pint of blood. 3 get help and may even live because of that one small donation.
By Willingtobefree  Nov 18, 2008
14
My daughter actually loves to give blood. She says it gives her a high to think that she is saving someone's life. Now she has gone twice to the local blood bank and they refused her. Once for low blood pressure and another time for anemia. She went to our doctor who ran tests and confirmed that neither was the case. I don't understand why they turn her away. Its a wonderful thing she does. My husband and other relatives routinely give blood in loving memory of our daughter Heidi, who we lost to Leukemia. I used to watch her get a transfusion and wonder who the wonderful person was who gave that blood to her. I would have loved to thank them.
By Notek143  Nov 13, 2008
13
Dr. Jeremy, I have given gallons of blood over the years and you are so correct: You feel great after giving! Since I'm O+, they loved me!

Alas, I have not attempted to donate in recent years, however, because of health issues and/or medication I was taking. Now I'm not sure that I would be allowed since I have acquired autoimmune hepatitis as a result of having Infliximab (Remicade) infusions. Do you know? Would a diagnosis of AI Hepatitis preclude one's donating blood?
By MERF  Nov 13, 2008
12
You are right that there are other ways to help. Whether it is when Red Cross is in front of your store during the holidays or sending donations on your own, please help.
The Red Cross helped to bring my son-in-law home from Iraq when my daughter lost her baby in her 2nd trimester. She almost lost her own life in the process. They notified my son and they brought him home and then back to Iraq again. No funds were used by us. Please donate when you can, in any way that you can!
By LuckyCharm72  Nov 13, 2008
11
Thank you for posting this! It is such a real and humbling need. I lost my father a few years ago to cancer, and it really opened my eyes, to just how bad people all around the world are suffering. So if there is one thing I could do to help in the crisis, I would do it. Ever since I lost my father 3 years ago to cancer, I have been donating my hair to locks of love. Every 6 inches goes to locks of love. I also make an annual donation to the cancer foundation. A foundation that was very accomadating, loving, and supportive of my family trhough my dads battle.
By BlindFaith29  Nov 12, 2008
10
I had to have 3 bags of blood when I had my last child.
I told the nurse I wish I could thank the person for donating the/this blood,so I could still be around to see my baby grow up.
By Mace1979  Nov 11, 2008
9
i will never donate ANYTHING to the Red Cross! being in the medical field, i have seen them go into disaster areas, do their 'good deed' and then almost immediately return to the area and request that the recipients of their 'services' donate back, to the point of obligation. its disgusting. and, do you not remember the fiasco after 9/11?? they TOTALLY mismanaged the funds given to them, the blood donated to them, the whole thing!
i not only don't support the ARC, i encourage others to NOT support them as well.
there are many other places to give blood, donate services, money, etc. where the offerings are managed with responsibility! support THEM! NOT the ARC!!
By tadlem  Nov 11, 2008
8
I don't mean to be a downer here, but the American Red Cross did a lot of medical to harm to a lot of ppl that donated. They did not test their donors and in doing so, they infected at least hundreds of thousands of people with HIV and Hep C. As a result, they were sued, but because they are a "nonprofit" they were only fined $5000.00. I don't know about other ppl here, but my med expenses have been way more than that in just one year. When you go donate or even just go to your doctors office, MAKE SURE they are using all new, wrapped equipment. And, if you donated blood prior to the early nineties....get tested for HIV and Hep C.
By Amaterasu  Nov 11, 2008
7
Thanks for the reminder---one can give back in so many ways. You have supplied the little nudge sometime needed. maryls
By maryls  Nov 11, 2008
6
This has touched me, as I was a consistent donor, until one technician made a mess of my arm and it hurt for weeks. But, that's not a good excuse, it only happened ONCE. Besides, I am RH Negative and feel that this type may need an 'extra arm', so I will get myself set up for a visit soon.
Thank you for the reminder! Also, you mentioned that people can donate their time - I know as a pre-K teacher, it would be wonderful if someone would donate just 20 minutes to reading a story, to give me time to 'set-up' for other acitivities. Time is so precious.
By SafeNSerene  Nov 11, 2008
5
Great piece, I loved it. I too am a constant donor as I also love making a difference, it makes me really feel better. I am an ambassador for red cross at our school so I am totally in support of this. :D
By Trying2Fly  Nov 11, 2008
4
I have multiple health problems; and have been told time and again that because of my health problems I can't donate. I didn't even think about donating clothes or food; that's a real good idea----THANKS!!!!
By JJJAX  Nov 11, 2008
3
Can a person who smoke pot donate??? I dont drink but do smoke & would love to be able to donate. Im in CA where all the fires go on & was evac 2 times so this is a good way of repaying back when we were in time of need.
By girlie4721  Nov 10, 2008
2
Yes, the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone during a very difficult time is well worth the inconvenience it may have caused you.
By MawBear  Nov 10, 2008
1
This makes me a little sad. I had just gotten into the habit of giving blood when I was diagnosed with a stage 1 melanoma. Now they tell me I can't ever donate blood again. :(
By purplekitty  Nov 10, 2008
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