Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood! And today, there is an even more critical need for blood and platelet donors due to a variety of natural disasters.
Tomorrow, American Red Cross is holding one of its Campus Blood Drives: November 14; accepting blood donations from 10AM-to-3PM; University Union Phoenix Rooms A&B.
If you are considering donating, here are some pre-existing conditions that will prevent you from donating:
- STDS: must wait 12 months treatment for syphilis or gonorrhea
- Must wait 12 months after a tattoo
- Must weigh at least 110lbs
- More conditions here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements/eligibility-criteria-alphabetical.html
In addition, there are some common misconceptions people have about who can donate blood. You can donate blood if:
- You are a diabetic who is well controlled on insulin/oral medications are eligible
- Women on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) for menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis are eligible to donate
- Patients with autoimmune diseases can donate as long as it will not be bad for the lupus patient’s health (bad anemia)
UWGB student Meg Lehman donated twice at the Community Blood Center in Little Chute two years ago. “It was a little bit nerve wracking at first; I had never done it before.” she said. “They test to see if your blood is okay to donate, and then you just sit in a chair and everyone is super nice. Everyone asks if you’re comfortable, and then they distract you while you’re giving blood so it’s an okay experience.”
Another thing Meg learned was her blood type; she did not know it prior to donation. Reflecting on her donation, Meg wanted students considering giving blood to know: “It is a good experience and you just have to keep in mind that you’re doing it for other people and you need to get out of yourself and just do it for other people and know you’re helping people.”
After donating you, “pick a sticker; there’s also different drinks you can choose from and then a bunch of different desserts,” Meg said. “That’s always a plus; something to look forward to.”
To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code gbuwgb, or call 1-800-733-2767. Disability accommodations are available.
To add this event to your calendar, follow this link: https://calendar.uwgb.edu/EventDetails.aspx?EventDetailId=83627
For additional information, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/
Written by Fearsome Threesome: Mariah Lorfeld, Brooke Modjewski, Ashley Stafne
TYPO? Did you spot a typo or grammatical error in this story? Report it NOW to The Grammar Police so we can fix it before a potential employer – or one of our parents – sees it and busts us! Report it: HERE! Thank you.
Blood Brothers/Sisters
So important to know!