Seeing reports about dangerously low supplies of blood in places like NY. This is something I've been passionate about for years (mostly because I'm blessed with a strong stomach and veins that are a flabotomist's fantasy): so here's another reminder to give blood if you can.1/

Not everyone is healthy enough to give blood, but for those who can it is 1) free (I started giving regularly when I was an entry-level station reporter married to a grad student and struggling to provide for our baby - I couldn't give $ but I could literally give LIFE! 2/

2) It really doesn't take that long in the scheme of things (and we all have too much time on our hands right now, right?) and 3) It is SO EASY now with apps and things to schedule donations and find convenient locations, plus 4) free snacks. 3/

It's also completely apolitical and neutral in a time when we are SO divided. I love knowing that my blood could go to ANYONE - of any political party, religion, race, sex, age, who cares! We are all human, we all have blood in our veins, and we can help each other this way. 4/

And you don't have to die or undergo major surgery (like organ donation) to give blood. You might get tired and just have an excuse to drink apple juice and eat free snacks. And someone else gets to live. Win-win. 5/

Finally: I was a lapsed donor for MANY years. Busy with work and kids. But I finally started again a few months ago because this is a time when we all have to do our part. If you're still reading this bizarrely-long thread about blood donation, thank you. More info at @RedCross!