Photo Courtesy of: American Red Cross

Student Council and the American Red Cross hope to exceed the 99 units collected at the November 22 Blood Drive. The year’s second Blood Drive is being held Friday, February 28.

After a record turnout in November, Student Council and the American Red Cross will host the second blood drive of the year Friday, Feb. 28 in the multipurpose room from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For those interested in donating, walk-ins are welcome any hour on Friday.

Before Donation

Preparation 

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before
• Make sure to eat breakfast or lunch before you donate
• Drink a few glasses of water prior to your donation, drinking water before donation decreases the likeliness of experiencing lightheadedness

Registration

• Bring your ID, and if you are under 16, you need a signed parental permission form
• Tell the nurse any medication you are taking and if you have traveled outside the US in the past 12 months 
• Read informational pamphlets that will be provided

Health History

• Make sure you are feeling healthy
• A nurse will take your temperature, check blood count, and measure blood pressure and pulse
• A nurse will ask you a few questions during a private interview 

During Donation

• A nurse will sterilize an area on your arm and insert a needle to draw blood 
• You should relax (e.g. listen to music, talk to friends, read, etc.)
• After around 10 minutes, a nurse will remove the needle and place a bandage on your arm

After Donation

• Sit and relax in the refreshment area for as long as needed and have a drink and snack
• If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded stay in the refreshment area and tell a staff member 
• Afterward, be sure to drink a few glasses of water to stay hydrated
• Most people will feel just fine after donating, but some people may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uneasy. If this happens, stay in the refreshment area for as long as needed until you feel better