Just dropped off my latest point. Phlebotomist said she'd never had someone donate so fast--3 minutes!
When I arrived, there was a woman, I'd guess around 60, sitting in the waiting area reading the informational materials. Just as I was called, she walked up to the receptionist and said "Yes, I'll do it."
While I was donating the woman was escorted to a donation chair and the escort told the staff "this is Eve (not her real name) and it's her first time."
I chatted with Eve later in the refreshment area. Her story:
My mother used to do this all the time. I was waiting at the transit stop over there across the street and I saw the Blood Bank sign. So I thought I'd come in and do it. What if I need blood sometime? I'd want to know there are lots of people giving.
It was so easy and it didn't hurt at all. And everyone here is so nice and friendly. I'll be back. And I'm going to tell my son that he must come in, too.
The volunteer asked her what she'd like to drink and she said "a glass of wine?" in a joking voice. "The closest thing we have is grape juice. How about that?" "Of course. I even get free drinks! What a nice place! Are those pretzels?"
