Students can save a life by donating life.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’s American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Great Hall in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center.
“Students will be asked questions about their health and get a finger prick to ensure they can donate that day,” said Kelly Perry, assistant athletic director and compliance.
Those donating should drink water beforehand, as it makes the donation process easier.
Kaitlin Pontikes, economics and finance senior and organizer of the blood drive, said:
There is nothing a doctor can do if they do not have blood supply to transfer to a patient. All we have to do is take 45 minutes and get a free T-shirt and snacks to change someone’s entire life.”
Pontikes participated in the 2014 Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. She was selected as one of the 13 student-athletes from across the country who spent a week in Washington D.C. at Red Cross headquarters, to help promote the Red Cross strategy of moving from awareness to action.
Pontikes said she will be outside the caf in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center a week before the drive to sign up donors.
“One reason I am passionate about this is because you can do so much for someone for so little,” Pontikes said.
“Right now there is a shortage of blood supply and hospitals are really counting on donors more than ever to take a few minutes of their time to save someone’s life.”
Students must bring photo ID or they will not be allowed to donate. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Red Cross will provide snacks and juice to help the donors recover from the blood draw.
All donors are welcome to stay and watch the movies to support the blood drive.
Donated blood is shipped to hospitals across the country to help patients who are lacking their own blood and need a transfusion to overcome illness and disease.
“The blood drive is important because every pint of blood donated can help up to three people and the more people that decide to donate means more people are going to get help,” said Katie Winnicki, mass communications sophomore.
People are only allowed to donate blood every 56 days to ensure they do not strain their bodies.
The Red Cross will accept blood donations as well as double red cell donations.
Blood donations take about an hour and can come from donors of any blood type.
Double red cell donations take about half an hour longer than regular blood donation. Donors with blood type O are encouraged to donate red cells.
To find out more information about the eligibility requirements and tips for donors, click here .
The Red Cross ensures that the blood donated goes to those who are in need after a lengthy system of processing, testing and distributing to hospitals. To find out more, visit the Red Cross’s website.
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