One pint of blood from a single person can save three lives, separated into three components for different people’s needs. Just about anyone can save a life just by taking about 20 minutes out of their day to donate. October 19th from 7:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. HOSA will be having a blood drive in the gym.
There are some simple qualifications someone needs to meet to donate their blood, and it might seem rather strict, but it is for safety measures. Anyone interested in donating their blood here needs to be 17 years of age or older, and they do not need to be a student. Anyone in the community who is interested is welcome to sign up. Alongside the age requirement, everyone needs to be 110 pounds or heavier for their safety.
Another thing to note is iron levels or hemoglobin. Ladies need around 12.5 and men 13, and if someone doesn’t know if they are at the right level they can be tested on-site. If someone has a history of low iron or anemia, they can still come get checked out and possibly donate. Even with this though, if someone is feeling under the weather they should opt out of donating that day because it could get the receiver very sick.
This next requirement can not be stressed enough, all donors MUST have a full meal before their donation whether it be breakfast or lunch. Dinner from the night before does not count. Snack foods and energy drinks do not count. A full meal in this context implies grains, protein and some fruits or vegetables in any form. If volunteers are told a donor has not eaten recently, they are required to turn that donor away, and if lied to the donor will be the one to suffer the consequences of nausea and passing out.
When showing up to donate all donors need to have a picture ID and a filled-out contact form which will be available in the cafeteria during all lunches or if needed email one of the HOSA sponsors about getting signed up. For those who don’t know that would be Tamera Ingram, Edward Breight or Katrina King out in CTE. If a student does not have a picture ID they can talk with their counselor or AP beforehand to get a student ID that has one.
If someone with a job in a hot environment or who does sports would like to donate, they will need to take the day off from those activities. This can either be done in advance which is the most recommended option or get picture evidence that blood has been donated and it’s not safe to do those activities.
After someone donates blood, they should try to stay cold, shivering is normal and a need in this scenario. Do not put a jacket on after, heat can cause someone who recently donated to collapse. Take the day to relax and drink lots of water or juice, sugary treats are good for someone after losing blood as their blood sugar needs a jump.
With all this info, come by October 19th in a short sleeve ready to give and save some lives if interested. Escorts will take everyone back to class and such for safety, and a pass will be with them so they can be late to class and leave class for donations. Try it out and donate, and if someone does donate they get a shirt for their effort and a bit of time out of class so consider that a bonus.
