- Just one pint of donated blood can help save the lives of several people?
- Every 3 seconds someone needs blood.
- Approximately 32,000 pints of blood are used each day in the U.S.
- One out of every ten people entering the hospital needs blood.
- Shortages of all blood types occur year round, particularly during the summer and winter holidays.
- If all blood donors gave at least twice a year, it would strengthen the nation’s blood supply.
- It doesn’t take long to give blood, less than an hour from registration to refreshment.
- People who have been in car accidents and have suffered massive blood loss may require transfusions of 50 pints or more of blood (All stats are from the DeGowin Blood Center)
The first time I gave blood was my junior year in high school. The blood drive coming to my school meant two things: one,I would be helping someone in need and two, I would get out of track practice for the day! I was pretty excited to have a day off from running, but two minutes into giving blood my vein collapsed and I ended up not being able to donate. My plan backfired and I ended up running.
Donating blood is an easy and rewarding way to help someone in need. If you really need a reason to donate check out the list above! It is a painless, simple and safe procedure. Just remember to take proper care of yourself before and after giving blood! I just recently gave blood at FryFest and made a silly mistake. After donating I went to pick up some new Iowa gear. It was a pretty busy day and we had parked on the top of the parking ramp. Forgetting that I had just given blood, I walked up the five flights of stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. As soon as I got to the top I started feeling dizzy, sweaty and faint. It’s a good thing I had a friend with me because I ended up on the ground in the middle of the parking ramp!
It is very rare that people experience any symptoms after giving blood and I assure you it will not stop me from donating in the future! I challenge everyone to find a blood drive and donate this month!
Here is a list of the September blood drives on campus:
Thursday, September 15 (Get a FREE “I Bleed Black & Gold” t-shirt)
UIHC
10 am to 3 pm
1st Floor Pappajohn Pavilion (Elevator 1)
Monday, September 26
Currier/Stanley
6 pm to 10 pm
Multi-Purpose Room
Thursday, September 29
Dance Marathon
11 am to 3 pm
IMU-Iowa Room
Friday, September 30
Dance Marathon
11 am to 3 pm
IMU-Iowa Room