Blood Drive: What to expect

Tommy Olsson, Senior Staff Writer • Feb 28, 2020

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

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About the Contributor

Tommy Olsson, Senior Staff Writer

Tommy Olson is in his junior year at Normal Community High School. This is Tommy's first year as a Staff Reporter for the school newspaper, Inkspot. The farthest I've been from home was on a trip to Ireland with my family two summers ago. I am most comfortable when I'm around people I know and enjoy being with - like my friends and family. My favorite film of all time is definitely Lion King.