Damon,
There are a lot of issues involved in blood donation and I can't tell anyone what's right or wrong concerning them but I can say what I believe and what basis I've operated on since becoming macrobiotic more than 30 years ago.
I believe that modern medicine is based almost solely on science especially microbiology, and though I think science is great for many things like creating these computers we write on, and other seemly miracles, I believe that nature (especially yin and yang) contributes mostly to human beings healing from sickness and disease, and diet does much to contribute to that.
People with a good understanding of macrobiotics should be able to in most cases avoid circumstances where they would need blood transfusions and since most macrobiotic people eat just enough food to live then they usually have just enough blood to function, unlike so many other people in the Western world who eat too much and often have more than enough blood for themselves.
It's like people who fast on prescribed days, go on walks for the hungry, or donate S.A.D. food to food drives, donating blood just may be the thing to do for many concerned people but maybe not so many who are macrobiotic.
I feel that most macrobiotic people are making a contribution to the planet by living simply and not taking up to much of the earth's resources, and by sharing their knowledge, good quality food, and understanding with other people.
And just like most macrobiotic people avoid vaccinations, medicines, vitamin pills and supplements, I imagine that most don't see contributing to the blood drives as an important thing to do (other people here can say if they think I am wrong or right).
Now if you are still eating beef, lamb, pork, chicken, dairy plus lots of simple carbohydrates and you feel that your body has an abundance of blood and you feel that it's important to you to give blood to your local blood drive, then more power to you!
Does what I am saying make any sense to you?
Thank you, very much.
Be well and recover your health!
Bruce Paine