MacRumors 2021 Blood Drive

[MacRumors]

MacRumors is pleased to announce our Twelfth Annual MacRumors Blood Drive, throughout the month of May 2021. Our goal is to save lives by increasing the number of life-saving donations of blood, platelets, and plasma. While most blood drives are specific to a geographic location, our blood drive is online and worldwide.

Over the past 11 years, MacRumors Blood Drives have recorded donations of 827 units of blood, platelets, and plasma, and celebrated new signups for the organ donor and bone marrow registries. We've heard from people whose lives were saved by blood donations from strangers.

With a worldwide health crisis, blood donations are more important than ever. Donation centers have taken necessary precautions to protect donors.

This year we pay special tribute to user Timelordprime, whose MacRumors Blood Drive totals exceed 130 units of platelets and plasma. He will reach his 400th lifetime blood and platelet donation next month, having donated well over 500 units to strangers in need!

How to participate in the MacRumors Blood Drive - during May 2021

1. If you are an eligible donor, schedule a blood, platelet, or plasma donation (see FAQ), at any donation center near you. Then post in the MacRumors 2021 Blood Drive! thread to tell us about it. You'll be added to our Honor Roll. Also post if you register as an organ donor or register for the bone marrow registry (see FAQ). You'll be added to our Honor Roll.
2. If you aren't eligible to donate or are deferred, please encourage someone else to make a donation, and let us know. If they donate, you'll both be added to our Honor Roll.
3. Share our message with friends, relatives, and followers. Thank the people who post in the MacRumors 2021 Blood Drive! thread.

How to participate in the MacRumors Blood Drive - from June 2021 to April 2022

In between the MacRumors Blood Drives each May, record your donations on our Team MacRumors page. We'll tally your donations and count them for the MacRumors Blood Drive next May.

1. Go to the Team MacRumors page and click PLEDGE TO GIVE BLOOD. (Bookmark the page for the future.)
2. Fill in your MacRumors username as your first name. Fill in @ macrumors as your last name.
3. In the comments field, tell us what type of donation and how many units, e.g., 1 unit of whole blood, 2 units of platelets, etc.
4. The email address and zip code fields don't matter. MacRumors won't use that information.

We look forward to another successful MacRumors Blood Drive.


Article Link: MacRumors 2021 Blood Drive

 

[Shaun.P]

Wow - the twelfth year! Good luck everyone!

 

[Doctor Q]

Wow - the twelfth year! Good luck everyone!

For those who don't know, we owe thanks to @Shaun.P for first suggesting and then helping plan the first MacRumors Blood Drive in 2010.

 

[jbachandouris]

I just donated 1 unit of whole blood on April 17th. This makes 14 gallons. I’m not eligible for another 56 days.

 

[RichTF]

For those of us in the UK who are gay/bisexual, note that the rules will soon be changing to lift the current wide-ranging ban on blood donations and replace it with a more granular assessment of risk.

Blood donation: Rule change means more gay and bisexual men can give blood

Men who have sex with men in a long-term relationship will now be able to donate blood at any time.

www.bbc.co.uk

Sadly not in time for this year’s MacRumours Blood Drive, but should be ready for the next one…

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Such a great cause. Ready to donate my blood.

GO #MacRumorsBloodDrive

 

[Freeangel1]

NICE!!!
I give blood every 2 months!
I've been doing it since COVID started 1 year ago
I just gave whole blood last week.

Donate Blood, Plasma and Platelets | Vitalant

vitalant.org

 

[bg1419]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

 

[metalsiren]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

I understand the rules need to change, but people will die without blood. So if you boycott you will get someone killed so that’s not the answer

 

[lyricthejoe]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

Exactly. I’ll be keeping my gay blood 🌈💅

 

[hagar]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

That makes zero sense. The issue is the absurd law, not the blood drive. You're protesting the wrong thing here.

For those of us in the UK who are gay/bisexual, note that the rules will soon be changing to lift the current wide-ranging ban on blood donations and replace it with a more granular assessment of risk.

Blood donation: Rule change means more gay and bisexual men can give blood

Men who have sex with men in a long-term relationship will now be able to donate blood at any time.

www.bbc.co.uk

Sadly not in time for this year’s MacRumours Blood Drive, but should be ready for the next one…

In my country (Belgium) gay people can only donate blood if they haven't been in a sexual relation for 1 year. Absurd.

 

[kcslc]

For those of us in the UK who are gay/bisexual, note that the rules will soon be changing to lift the current wide-ranging ban on blood donations and replace it with a more granular assessment of risk.

Blood donation: Rule change means more gay and bisexual men can give blood

Men who have sex with men in a long-term relationship will now be able to donate blood at any time.

www.bbc.co.uk

Sadly not in time for this year’s MacRumours Blood Drive, but should be ready for the next one…

I’m glad not all countries are backwards and regressive like the USA…

 

[DeepWebinar]

I’d give blood regularly but I can’t because I’m gay. Good on y’all for doing this blood drive every year, it’s really important to give blood if you’re eligible and don’t have an aversion to needles. Hopefully the US pulls their heads out of their homophobic asses soon and let’s people who want to help help.

 

[DeepWebinar]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

As a gay man, I feel your pain and frustration. It’s completely valid. This policy is a cold reminder that we’re still considered “dirty“ for our sexual orientation and it’s deeply upsetting, but giving blood saves lives. People who can give, should.

 

[RichTF]

I’m glad not all countries are backwards and regressive like the USA…

Well it’s been a long slow battle to get to where we are now (or will be in a couple months, anyway). Keep fighting, keep winning the small battles and moving forward, you’ll get there! We always do, eventually.

And I do understand people who are angry about this. I’ve felt so many mixed emotions throughout it all too. It’s complicated and hard to know where to direct that anger to be the most useful and productive, and there isn’t one “correct” strategy. Multiple approaches can coexist and move things forward together.

I know I’m looking forward to being able to give blood again, it’s a wonderful thing to do for others.

 

[balticgreen]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

I agree with you regarding the absurdity of eligibility rules. Donors should be evaluated on individual risk factors, not a blanket policy. There is no reason that a monogamous gay couple of many years, for example, whose blood passes the screening tests should be ineligible to donate.

It's only because of COVID that I even have the option to donate. Of course it won't last forever, but I'm eligible right now. I could choose the option of not donating as a sort of protest (and that's a valid choice for those who choose it... I get it and am not judging), but I feel like it's more likely to hurt someone who needs blood if blood isn't available than it is to actually change policies. So my choice is to donate and help while I can.

As a gay man, I feel your pain and frustration. It’s completely valid. This policy is a cold reminder that we’re still considered “dirty“ for our sexual orientation and it’s deeply upsetting, but giving blood saves lives. People who can give, should.

I agree on every point. I don't like the policy at all, but the person who needs the blood almost certainly isn't the person who set that policy. For this strange period of time during which I am able to help that person, I will.

 

[LHMac]

There used to be a restriction on people giving blood in the US, who had spent more than a certain length of time in the UK. This was paranoia about mad cow disease, which had affected people in the UK, more than in the US. The FDA has changed its guidance on this in the past year.

The madness was that the time restriction stopped me from donating in the US, based on a week or so spent in the UK in 2009 or so, even though I haven't eaten beef in 30 years.

 

[vicviper789]

Can we get a kidney donation going on to be able to afford the new iPads?

 

[GSWForever8]

Wow! That’s nice! I don’t know any community that sets up nice things like this!

 

[acorntoy]

I was wrong there all good in the US

 

[themuseboy]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I think everyone should boycott blood donation.

The United States has absolutely absurd laws about who they ALLOW to donate that aren’t based in science, and they specifically disallow guys who are into other guys based on AIDS hysteria that lingers from the 80s (which is when these laws were concocted). Just because a guy has sex with dudes doesn’t mean he automatically has AIDS, and in any case, they test EVERY donation anyway. It’s just antagonistic Puritan policy that only serves to otherize a group of people.

And Macrumors’ little “if you’re deferred just go beg someone to donate on your behalf” line is garbage. You might as well be telling deferred people to say “hey pal I can’t donate blood because the government says my blood is contaminated, will you please go do it on my behalf since your blood is cleaner?”

If everyone stopped donating, politicians would probably feel more compelled to change the laws. If they don’t, then let them carry the guilt for the people who died because blood banks were empty.

Boycott blood drives.

I completely agree with bg1419 this is the only thing that gets our politicians to do anything here in the US. I was outed back in the late 1990s and had to stop donating blood and guess what I'm type O negative too a universal donor! And here I am in 2021 and still HIV negative and still not able to donate blood. In 21 years we have made absolutely NO progress on gays being ably to donate blood.

 

[SnarkyBear]

As a person with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, I am unable to donate. In fact, I have been the recipient of donated blood during chemo. Receiving a transfusion is a vital part of the chemo, as it replenishes vital white blood cells that are destroyed in the process. Without the transfusion, I could not have done the chemo, and I would not be writing this right now.

If you want to boycott blood transfusions, be aware that people will die.

Innocent people.

I agree that the system is messed up and real change needs to occur. And that politicians need to listen to scientists more and fear mongers less.

If you believe in a cause so strongly you want to put your life on the line, great! I admire your dedication! But if you want to put innocent people's life on the line, people who have nothing to do with the issue, than I must strongly object.

Collect donations. Engage in rallies. Protest politicians. Inform the public. But don't let innocent people die for your cause simply because it provides great leverage against the powers that be. That is the ultimate immorality.

 

[orthorim]

Innocent people die without you!!

Here's what I am wondering - has it ever occurred to you that - perhaps - someone wants to take advantage of your goodwill and willingness to help others?

Have you ever considered this a possibility?

What if a used car dealership could somehow convince people to buy their ********* cars else grandma dies? Their sales would boom! Doesn't matter it's not true - people just want to help, and are utterly naive as to the reality, they don't even ask any basic questions.

Blood is expensive - why would you give it to the hospital system for free? You have no idea where it's going. Probably and likely the vast majority of it is going to go to either profits, or even more nefarious uses you can't even imagine. The hospital / medical system is completely corrupt. You might as well give Saddam your blood and say "well, surely, even though he's evil, some of this will go to people who need it". Really? You don't know. Chances are, no it won't.

Humans are good-natures - they naturally want to help others. If we're in a field hospital and I can help someone with my blood laying next to me wounded, you bet I'll be the first to volunteer for this transfer. Even if I don't like that person.

But giving it to this entirely corrupt system to further their ends - most certainly not.

More discernment. Yes people are good, but the ones controlling the pharma systems, political systems, and so forth are - well they are following their own agenda but from normal humans point of view, they are pure evil.

Donating blood, you're simply pouring your life force into a dead and death-promoting corrupt system.

Full of good and good-willing people like you, nurses, doctors, most of them want to be good, and they bypass the fact they're just drug pushers for a corrupt disease-care system.

That people die if you don't is simply a lie. Can't be proven or disproven, but it appeals to the built in guilt complex most people have. Are you sure people will die? Nope. To make chemo work? It's the worst disease treatment ever with a 90%+ fail rate. There are much better ways to deal with cancer, but they don't produce the profits.

Pharma's interest lies in subscription medication, with devastating effects on the health of all humans world wide. Which is why I call it a disease-care system. That's what it is - creating diseased humans who will need medication all their life. Logically, this is the goal of profit-driven pharma as it milks the cash cows all their life. Government mandated medication is even better of course, guaranteed profits...

 

[jhfenton]

I donate 3 units of platelets every 3 weeks to our regional non-profit blood bank. They supply all 31 area hospitals.

The way my schedule falls, I only have one appointment scheduled in May, on May 14.

I used to donate whole blood, but I switched to platelets because it doesn't effect my running.

 

[Slade Mahoney]

I gave on Saturday