Red Cross Pub

When I donated blood, I sat down for the initial blood-analysis collection procedure.

A card on the desk listed beverage choices. At the bottom, next to pictograms of coffee and styrofoam cups, was an image of a frosty mug of beer.

Big glass mug, large foamy head, bubbles. It was even beer-coloured.

Above the image, in the list, was a blank space where paper had been taped over what I presume was the choice of beer.

I laughed and shared my amusement with the nurse. She laughed and told me they used to offer beer, but no longer. Some people get loopy after they've given blood; alcohol wouldn't improve their state of mind.

The Red Cross couldn't afford the lawsuit that would follow if a light-headed donor passed out after leaving the clinic. Fainting in the street is one thing. Driving a car into a wall is another.

Still, a beer would have been mighty tasty.

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