Yesterday I donated blood at a Gulf Coast blood drive at my church (MDPC). Although I have donated many times with no side effects, yesterday I experienced lightheadedness and clammy skin immediately afterwards. (I may have squeezed the ball too frequently which pumped blood too quickly). The Gulf Coast workers handled my situation so skillfully and with such care, quickly placing me in a reclining chair, fanning me, placing ice packs on my neck and bringing juice and snacks plus taking my blood pressure several times and directing me to stay put until I felt better. The volunteers who were church friends also rallied to my side. I felt very cared for. I definitely will give blood again, squeezing the ball more slowly and hydrating more before donating.
Having been an employee here for over 30 years, I can attest that it is one of the premier blood centers in the world. The 'Commit for Life' program implemented here has become a model for many other centers and has produced record numbers of volunteer donors that save millions of lives each year. Just one indicator of the Center's excellence is the high number of employees that are loyal to the Center and stay for over 30 years. It has a strong volunteer board of trustees and bases its programs to support patients, donors,staff, and volunteers.