Science & Outdoors
Now accepting donations of the gift of life
The Pointer
jlutz715@uwsp.edu
Giving blood can save up to three lives per donation, this is just one reason to feel good about donating at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point blood drive. Donations will go directly to a patient at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point.
Remember to eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of fluids if you plan on donating. Also, it is best to donate when you are well-rested.
Most people are able to donate. However, people who are taking certain antibiotics, have a heart condition, an infection or are pregnant should not donate. Additionally, if you have traveled to a country in the past year in which malaria exists, you will not be able to donate.
Bloodbook.com reveals that people with AB positive and AB negative blood types are great candidates to donate plasma, because recipients with any blood ty pe may receive the donations.
Individuals with O positive blood are the most common donors, and because of the abundance of O positive patients, the need for their donations is great. O negative is usually used for red blood cell transfusions because people with this blood type are universal donors. As the rarest blood type, the need for type O negative donors is crucial. It is the preferred blood type for babies and accident victims.
In addition to giving blood, many people, especially students, donate plasma. Plasma can be donated at many hospitals and donators get paid for each sample given. For more information talk to any of the staff at the blood drive or contact the nearest hospital or donation center.
According to the American Red Cross web site, “Less than 5% of the general population donates blood and yet the majority of people will have at least one family member who will require at least one blood transfusion in their lifetime.”
The blood drive will take place on Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Laird Room of the DUC.
Students must be sure to bring a photo ID and budget an hour for the drive. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be made by calling 1-888-310-7555. Also, feel free to call this toll free number for any questions or concerns about giving blood.
