By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, March 4, at Geneseo First Methodist Church, South Campus (back entrance). The drive will begin at 12 noon and continue until 6 p.m.
Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS)
Information received regarding the Blood Drive states, “Now there’s a better reason to give blood – there’s no finger stick!” A ring-shaped sensor is placed on the donor’s thumb and in under a minute, the sensor measures and displays hemoglobin. The U.S. FDA requires that a hemoglobin test is done before donating to ensure the donor isn’t anemic.
“There’s been a lot of feedback from donors, too,” according to the information received. “Not only do the donors like it but also it speeds up their processing time. The OrSense hemoglobin analyzer applies pressure on a donor’s thumb, obstructing blood flow. Using a method called occlusion spectroscopy, it measures light transmitted through the thumb to give an accurate hemoglobin reading. Another advantage of this new procedure is that it eliminates biohazardous waste.”
WHY GIVE BLOOD?
-Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood and/or platelets.
-It helps save lives: accident/burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and people battling cancer.
-You’ll get information about your own health and your blood will be screened for infectious diseases.
-It can help prevent heart attacks: giving blood regularly stimulates the creation of healthy new blood cells which are thinner and lower your risk of heart attacks or strokes caused by arterial blockages.
Donors are asked to make reservations by calling 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED Cross). Walk-ins will be accepted in as timely a manner as possible with appointments taking priority. Those planning to give blood will be asked to present their Red Cross ID card (or a valid driver’s license) and will be asked to read the list of medications that might exclude their donation from being used or do a “Rapid Pass” before their donation.
Before donating:
-1. Drink an extra 16 ounces of water, juice or non-alcoholic drink before donating, especially in warm weather.
-2. Eat a healthy meal; avoid fatty foods like fries, hamburgers, ice cream.
-3. Try to get a good night’s sleep.
-4. Check to see if any of the medications you are taking would prevent you from donating.
It’s also recommended that those planning to donate increase their vitamin C to their diet by eating fruits and leafy green vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
Anyone with questions about donating, getting a Red Cross ID card or who would like more information, is asked to call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED CROSS).