<p>Has anyone donated blood at the Platelet Center in Ackerman or any other blood drives? How did it go? I want to do it. Also how strict are they about the weight requirement?</p>
<p>In general how did the first time donating blood go for anyone who has done it?</p>
<p>It was a great experience for me personally, because it was my first time!
The staff/volunteers that work there are SUPER friendly and sweet. They know you’re nervous and scared, so they make the process as calm as possible and even fun for you (a little hard to believe, I know). I went a couple days before my birthday, and they joked about not getting completely obliterated until I had enough time to regain the lost blood hahaha</p>
<p>I walked out feeling like I’ve finally done something for someone other than myself lately. Definitely do it. And not just for the movie ticket which they give you as a thank you gift :)</p>
<p>I donate there regularly. Burtsbeez is right - the staff is really nice and friendly. They’re good at what they do, too…the needle insertions barely hurt. The last time I donated to one of those Red Cross blood-mobiles, I was bruised for a week.</p>
<p>If you choose to donate platelets, the process takes like an hour and a half, but it passes by like nothing. They give you a movie to watch, and they make sure you’re comfortable by offering you blankets or drinks or whatever you might want. Then they stuff you full of Diddy Riese cookies afterward.</p>
<p>Thanks! I think I want to go when the quarter starts. Do you know how strict they are about the weight requirement? Is it an easy process?</p>
<p>I’m not sure about the weight requirement. I imagine they stick to the standards, though.</p>
<p>I don’t think you want to bend the weight requirement rule. It’s for your own good.</p>