Dear Readers,
A few weeks ago, I wrote an entry expressing my dismay about certain Canadian Blood Services regulations, particularly one, which prohibits MSM (men who have sex with men) from giving. Public Relations from the organization came across my entry and commented:
Dear Marketing and Communications at Canadian Blood Services:
Thank you for your interest in Life After Berth. I extend an olive branch in your concern for what I have to say. I would like to point out to readers that, in the event it is not apparent, the aforementioned regulation indeed upsets me. I firmly admit that I strayed away from my point toward the end of the entry. I allowed frustration to overwhelm me and I wrote the amateur comment, "people will continue to suffer and die". It seemed appropriate to cap off in such a manner. At any rate, I apologize to CBS for this comment. My sole opinion on the manner was this: I am appalled that I, a perfectly healthy man, cannot donate my blood to "save a life right now", as the CBS call to action mandates.
In tandem, I do raise an eyebrow in regards to your enlightening comment about the actual supply of blood. When I was 18 years old, I felt compelled to donate blood after watching a television spot to this effect:
I find this and similar executions dishonourable, especially when bonded with "statistics and facts", i.e. less that 4% of eligible Canadians donate blood. No, CBS is not explicitly saying there is a shortage, yet these spots lead the mass to deduce there is, thus, driving supply. Unfortunately, it is common practice among many organizations to play their tunes on the heartstrings of trusting Canadians.
Back to my readers,
It is perfect truth when people say you can learn from your mistakes. My amateur comment brought forth an unknown truth surrounding the organization I have a problem with. Did you know that Canadian Blood Services continues to consistently meet (and even exceed) hospital demand for blood? Or that even at times when the national inventory of blood has been dangerously low, the only consequence was that some elective surgeries (planned, non-emergency surgeries like cosmetic surgery) had to be postponed? Neither did I, but I'm glad I do now. I have been released of the guilt bestowed upon me from misleading advertising practices.
Get informed at any cost.
With love,
Ty
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