Giving blood to help the community

Blood Drive today and Thursday in USU

By Priscalla Castro
The Collegian

Take a seat, roll up your sleeves, squeeze onto that teddy bear and in about 10 minutes the hard part will be over, and a life could also saved.

On Feb. 8 and 9, Fresno State will be holding a blood drive for the Central California Blood Center. The blood center will be on campus taking donations from students from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. both days.

Those who would like to donate can do so in the lobby of the University Student Union.

A concern many may have when it comes to donating blood whether or not it hurts. “After donating over 100 times it doesn’t hurt, the fear for many people is much worse than the experience,” Chris Fiorentino, blood drive chairperson, said.

The entire process of giving blood will take about an hour, which will include the screening process, the actual donation of the blood and some time for recuperation in the canteen area.

In order for someone to be eligible to donate blood the he or she must be at least 110 lbs., 17 years old and in good health. First time donors will be required to bring a form of photo identification and a social security number.

About four hours before giving blood donors should drink plenty of water, and they should also eat a good meal.

Fiorentino said after donating, people should refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the next 24 hrs.

The Central California Blood Center is always in need of all blood types. The types of blood that are the most often needed are O and B. Those who donate may receive a See's Candy sample or other prizes from Tony Roma's, or Gottschalks.

Those who would like to donate again can do so eight weeks after the donation to give their bodies time to replenish the blood that was donted. The blood drive is open to anyone who would like to donate.

Comment on this story in the Features forum >>