Blood donation in Venezuela is very different than in the states. Yesterday some friends and I went to give blood at the University Hospital in Caracas. We did this because our friend Carlos is going to have a serious surgery today and may need four pints of blood. In Venezuelan public hospitals, patients provide everything they are going to need for a procedure (needles, medications, bandages, etc.) before hand. That includes blood. Carlos does not live in Caracas and was having problems finding people to donate on his behalf so the hospital was not going to do the surgery. When we heard this, 6-8 of us went to the hospital to donate. Luis, Michelle and I got there yesterday morning at 6:20 AM to stand in line and finally were able to give around 8. By pre-arrangement, I was late for work but it was worth it to help out a friend. In fact, it was an honor. Carlos won't get our blood but he did get our vouchers so he will be able to get the pints he needs.