Donate Blood!

Traditionally, in summer, there's a shortage of blood on the hospital shelves, as today's Burlington Free Press story explains. I've added a comment (scroll down to see), explaining the reasons to screen blood donors, why blood banks don't draw blood from paid donors, but particularly about the ARC's double standard against gay and bisexual men being permanently deferred from donating blood.

It is important to have blood on the shelf. Even if you don't agree with the ARC's homophobic screening, don't let patients' blood needs go lacking - it's a good deed to donate blood! The ARC blood donor center in Burlington is at 32 N. Prospect St. Telephone: 1-802-660-9130.

In my nearly 20 year career in blood banking, I've seen how the blood is used to help pediatric and adult cancer and cardiac patients. I also organised bone marrow registry drives in conjunction with blood drives.(Facts about cellular therapies.)

American Association of Blood Banks Blood Donation FAQ

Relatedly, the Mayo Clinic debunks some myths about organ donation and transplant.