[Walt.]

I've really never heard of platelet donations. What exactly is it?

[bagboy]

I'll step back to a point. Blood donations are not donations if there is compensation. That said, if there has to be awards or payments in order to get the necessary blood, then so be it. And my thanks to everyone who gives blood or platelets.
And maybe I'm not as naive as I suggested. I know blood is bought and sold in various ways. I guess that's a necessity, but I don't have to like it or agree with it.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by bagboy

...Blood donations are not donations if there is compensation...

Don't agree at all.

I think the 'rewards' are just a natural way to get folks' attention. The folks who give are doing a good thing...and yes, making a donation...even if they get a small gift in return.

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Don't agree at all.

I think the 'rewards' are just a natural way to get folks' attention. The folks who give are doing a good thing...and yes, making a donation...even if they get a small gift in return.

A "reward" of a $5 gift card, a movie pass, or a t-shirt is certainly not payment for a pint of blood. Even here in The Villages, no one is going to take a couple of hours of their time, give blood, and do it just for the very nominal gift.

I sincerely believe that anyone who contributes a pint of blood or platelets does it for the express purpose of doing good for another human.

[leftyf]

Oh, believe me, If I could donate platelets to a particular person that needed them and they were not charged, that's how I would do it. Unfortunately, nobody gets blood or platelets for free.

Anybody that doesn't know what a platelet donation is should go to the One Blood center and watch. Or better yet, be there Fri the 15th at 10:00 AM and watch me donate.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by Walt.

I've really never heard of platelet donations. What exactly is it?

This YouTube about platelet donations for soldiers/airmen/marines/SEALS/etc. in Afghanistan explains this type of donation. I believe AB- is a universal donor for platelets. I can give to anyone as far as platelets are concerned. https://youtu.be/NAKSVeBvpvY

How To Target Type AB- - Donate Blood

I'm B+ and have been asked to donate platelets instead of whole blood.My reason for donating is I escaped my past without any physical problems.My way of showing gratitude by giving to those in need..

[terimquick]

I totally agree, bagboy. I gave blood for many years in Nebraska and never received any "gift", nor did I expect to. My gift is knowing that my blood is helping someone who needs it.

[terimquick]

Also agree that you don't have to take the gifts from One Blood if you don't want/need them.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

A "reward" of a $5 gift card, a movie pass, or a t-shirt is certainly not payment for a pint of blood. Even here in The Villages, no one is going to take a couple of hours of their time, give blood, and do it just for the very nominal gift.

I sincerely believe that anyone who contributes a pint of blood or platelets does it for the express purpose of doing good for another human.

There ya go!