Written by: Jake Love, staff writer
DAYTON, Tenn. – Bryan College will host a blood drive on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Latimer Student Center parking lot.
The drive will be in the Blood Assurance “Bloodmobile.” Anyone on campus is welcome to come and donate blood.
Donating blood helps an important cause. The American Red Cross Blood Services reported earlier this month that the country has a critical blood shortage. “While thousands of people responded to the request for blood and platelet donations issued by the American Red Cross in early July,” the report said, “a critical blood shortage remains.”
The Red Cross urged eligible donors to give now to help ensure that blood is available to meet patient needs. Their website stated that giving one pint of blood could “help save up to three lives.”
Those interested in giving blood through the Bloodmobile must bring a valid form of ID. The process will include registration, a private interview about details of your health, the actual donation and rest and recovery (with snacks). The whole process takes an hour on average.
To be eligible to give blood, you must be in good general health, be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the previous 56 days.
Preparation for giving blood includes eating iron-rich foods (poultry, red meat, fish, spinach, etc.), drinking extra fluids and bringing a friend, a book or music to help relax and enjoy the experience.
If there are any questions, contact Dean of Students Bruce Morgan (morganbr@bryan.edu, Latimer 220D).
Jake Love is a staff writer for the Triangle. He is an English major with an emphasis on creative writing and commutes from Soddy-Daisy, Tenn. He enjoys reading and consuming large amounts of caffeine.
