Donating blood and platelets?

[BWA1991]

I have O positive blood, which is useful for approximately 84% of the population ( that number was created from adding up all the rhesus positive types from this: http://www.livescience.com/36559-common-blood-type-donation.html). I also donate blood platelets which are used mainly for people suffering from cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. I do these very regularly (blood donation i believe is every 52 days while platelets every 7 days a certain amount of times). I feel like doing this is very important because of what I'm doing it for (here's some facts and statistics: http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics).

That being said, what do you all think of putting down donating blood and platelets as volunteer / community service?

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[stomatology]

No, I would not put this down. Especially if you are getting paid to "donate" platelets (I have not done this but I know someone who does). I admit that there is a need for blood products and it's certainly commendable to donate that often, but I don't think it's volunteering or community service with regards to what AADSAS is asking about because there was no labor provided. If you had organized a blood drive or volunteered for one as one of the people helping out, I would consider this volunteering or community service.

However, you can do what you want. It is your application at the end of the day and what matters is that you produce a product that you think reflects you best as an applicant.

 

[BWA1991]

I don't get paid for it. I do go out of my way to do it whenever they call and ask me. Regular donations take about 40-60 minutes and to donate platelets takes sometimes up to two hours (the machine filters the platelets out). I've done small things for them to help them out (non-clinical).

Isn't the definition of community service an action performed by someone / a group of people for the benefit of the public?

 

[stomatology]

I would still personally consider this more of a donation and not a volunteering/community service activity.

 

[Illfavor]

No, I would not put this down. Especially if you are getting paid to "donate" platelets (I have not done this but I know someone who does). I admit that there is a need for blood products and it's certainly commendable to donate that often, but I don't think it's volunteering or community service with regards to what AADSAS is asking about because there was no labor provided. If you had donated a blood drive or volunteered for one as one of the people helping out, I would consider this volunteering or community service.

However, you can do what you want. It is your application at the end of the day and what matters is that you produce a product that you think reflects you best as an applicant.

I disagree. Volunteering is using your time in service of others, without compensation. I think what he does certainly qualifies. What he does (assuming he is not paid) seems way more beneficial than volunteering at a blood drive. He does this weekly, which shows some level of commitment and organization. Seems like a good community service to me.

...how could anyone say passing out cookies at a blood drive is more meaningful than actually giving blood.

 

[BWA1991]

This is how I see it too!

You know, I've volunteered at Soup Kitchens and that helps the poor and the hungry... the way I see blood donations is I'm helping give to the weak and the injured. People with Cancer that undergo chemotherapy and radiation really need the platelets (which my grandfather is currently having to go under...).

I have done a lot for the Red Cross / Blood Assurance also by talking to many people in my undergraduate science department about why it's so important to give blood, many of which ended up giving (regardless of their fear of needles). I've also helped give out t-shirts that you get when you donate, but it really doesn't seem as impactful or helpful.

 

[stomatology]

I am not debating that donating blood or platelets is a noble deed, but I would not count it as a volunteer activity because it is not a direct service performed to others. I think OP can certainly mention it in his PS or during an interview, but I just don't think it should be listed as a volunteer activity.

As I said, it doesn't really matter what I think. What matters is that he feels like he presents himself to the best of his ability and ultimately the impression that the ADCOMs who read the OP's application get.

Also, I think it is really unbecoming to put down blood drive volunteers because without those volunteers the blood drive wouldn't happen in the first place and then people like OP would not be able to go and give blood donations.

 

[dbd]

I can definitely see the blood donation thing as being a great talking point, especially if you are super involved in other aspects of raising awareness for blood donations etc (like you said about giving out t shirts and stuff). I think I would have to agree with stomatology, however, that the actual blood/platelet giving would be considered a donation rather than volunteering/community service. Although it's definitely healthcare related, it would be like someone putting on their app that they give their old clothes to Goodwill or something. While it no doubt makes a difference, it's not exactly volunteering/community service.

 

[Mediumrare]

I put it down last cycle. Donated 2 gallons to date 🙂

 

[sgv]

OP can certainly mention it in his PS or during an interview, but I just don't think it should be listed as a volunteer activity..

OP should have donated other fluids as well. that certainly would have made for an interesting or awkward interview.

 

[stomatology]

OP should have donated other fluids as well. that certainly would have made for an interesting or awkward interview.

LOL that'd go over well.

 

[dbd]

I'm sure if that counted, many applicants would have years of volunteering experience.

 

[pilotdentist]

you can put anything you want down. its just a weak entry.

 

[baby tooth]

This guy.