Lives Depend on It

Give as Though Your Life Depends On It

As a Carmel Valley San Diego community resident, what is one way you can give to others that can have positive life-long lasting effects? On August 11, 2011, many from the Carmel Valley community donated blood at Piazza Carmel. We were fortunate enough to have a “Bloodmobile” park at one of our local shopping centers to make in convenient for us to give blood. That day, I watch as Carmel Valley San Diego community members from all walks of life, donated blood.
For most of us, we never really see the end result of donating blood. We leave the bus knowing that someone one day will use the blood. But I would also say that for many of us, we don’t really understand the magnitude of the ripple effect that this gracious donate of one’s blood can have on another individual…another one’s life. If you take a moment and think about the act of giving one’s blood. Some day, someone is going to have the very blood you have donated. Maybe the recipient will be a car accident victim or a police officer shot in the line of duty. San Diego Blood is a local organization that distributes the blood locally. The amazing thing for me is that when you donate your blood, you may very likely see the person who you donated the blood to,walking in the street and never know it. There’s a sort of connection that will forever exist between the donor and the recipient. Whether we know it or not, it is very encouraging to know that in San Diego County, we’re all helping each other and contributing to the lives of those around us via donating blood.
Some things to note in regards to donating blood (per San Diego Blood Bank):

1. What You Should Know Prior to Donating: There is more than one type of blood donation. You have some choices about how to donate.
2. What You Should Do Prior To Donating
   * Make an appointment beforehand to minimize your wait time.
   * Drink plenty of fluids and have a good meal before you donate.
   * Review the donor requirements and verify that you are indeed eligible to donate at this time.
   * If you plan to donate on a bloodmobile, make sure to review the bloodmobile schedule to verify that it has not been cancelled or rescheduled.
   * If you are a 17 or 18 year-old high school student, you must have a signed permission slip to donate blood.
3. What You Should Eat Before DonatingA healthy diet helps ensure a successful blood donation, and also makes you feel better! Check out the following recommended foods to eat prior to your donation.
   * Low fat foods
   * Iron rich foods
4. What You Should Bring When Donating* Photo ID* List of medications you are taking* List of places you have visited outside of the U.S. in the past 3 years* A friend to donate with you!

Lives Depend on It | Carmel Valley Blood Drive

David A Moya | Founder & Contributor

David A. Moya is a community contributor and influencer for positive change. As a Certified Mortgage Coach, he focuses on education and transparency. During his earlier years, he fed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded a company called Motivus International Inc, which focuses on the development of young individuals who are committed to peak performance. David went on to pay for his BA in Finance through his real estate business and after graduating flew more than 30 flights to over 10 countries in order to master the art of communication and business. At the downward turn of the real estate market, David saw a need to change the industry and began to reach out to his network of professionals to see what could be done.