When I arrived at Saint Luke on August 7, I had planned to donate blood as I usually do (this was my 41st donation!).

I had heard that there was going to be a special guest at Saint Luke donating blood that day (Channel 6 Action News Meteorologist Adam Joseph), so there were extra, top-level American Red Cross officials there.

I was called to the table to take my vitals (blood pressure, iron levels, and temperature) and the technician said she saw I was a regular blood donor and had I ever considered being a Power Red donor. A Power Red donation is similar to a whole blood donation, except a special machine is used to allow the donor to safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation while returning your plasma and platelets to you. During a Power Red donation, blood is drawn from one arm through an automated process. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to you through the same arm.

She said it would take 20 extra minutes to complete this type of donation. I regularly donate blood and donate at Saint Luke when I can. I had heard mixed reviews about Power Red donations, though: I’d feel wonderful. It takes longer. If you do one Power Red donation, you’ll do it again.

Ok, I did it with mixed feelings, however, I don’t regret my decision. I had some queasy feelings as the machine returned my plasma, platelets, and some saline back into my system, but other than that, the donation was no different than a regular blood donation.

“There are places all around the region to donate and your donation matters. It is a small way to live out your faith and make an impact in the lives of others in our community. ”

I’m going to donate again in December. Might I invite you to donate blood, too? Here’s the schedule at Saint Luke for donating blood, as well as the general American Red Cross Blood Donation page, if you are unable to give at Saint Luke.