PSU Holds American Red Cross Spring Blood Drive

A tremendous turnout of volunteers and donors packed Plymouth State University's Hartman Union Building this week for another successful spring blood drive. Each year Plymouth State hosts the biannual Red Cross Blood Drive in the spring and fall sponsored by the Community Service Center and in partnership with the American Red Cross. 

On Apr. 7-8 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., students and faculty each lined up to donate a pint of blood, or two cups, enough blood to save the lives of three people. To reserve a spot, participants could sign up two weeks in advance through the Community Service Center office in the Hartman Union Building or online at www.plymouth.edu/community-service. Those wishing to donate who had not reserved a spot were taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Organizations coordinating the event included PSU Volunteers and the recognized sorority, Delta Zeta.

"I just think it's a great thing that PSU can put on," said senior volunteer, Kayleigh Bigness, "especially being in such a small community."

"It's the easiest way to save a life," said sophomore donor, Devon Dickson, who had given blood three times before. On aftereffects such as dizziness Dickson said, "I always lift up my legs because that keeps the blood at your head."

Freshman Ellen Wilborg, donated blood for her first time. "I'm a little nervous," she said. "But...I'm not very afraid of needles." 

Though the needle and blood are out of view for the majority of the session, those considering donating are advised to talk with their doctor if they have any concerns. The American Red Cross also looks for certain physical criteria from donors, such as being at least 17 years old (or 16 if accompanied by a parent), weighing at least 110 pounds, and feeling healthy enough to perform normal activities. When giving a double donation the weight requirement is raised to 130 pounds for men, and 150 pounds for women.

Once started, the procedure is simple. After answering a few questions, a nurse will clean an area of the arm and insert a brand new, sterile needle for the blood draw. The feeling is described by many as a quick pinch and the extraction only takes about 8-10 minutes, after which the donor is advised to rest an additional 10-15 minutes.

"What your body does to make up for the red blood cells in particular that are lost, is that you regenerate new ones out of your bone marrow," said Dr. Brigid O'Donnell, biology professor at Plymouth State. Because new blood cells are regenerated so rapidly along with the actual liquid base plasma, donors will often feel rehydrated, leading to a burst of energy once fully recovered. "If you're a healthy college-aged student or member of our community then you're kind of geared up and should easily recover, so long as you have no standing health issues prior to [donating]."

On the importance of giving blood, O'Donnell said, "We're really dependent on having a standing bank of blood for people that are in accidents or have injuries or need to undergo certain surgeries...in particular after catastrophes." With so much need for blood transfusions, it's important that there is enough of each compatible blood type in stock at all times. There's never a bad time to give blood. In fact, it is expected that almost everyone will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. 

"In terms of helping out your community it could be a way to provide a very valuable resource that you won't miss and that someone in your community might potentially really benefit from," said O'Donnell when asked why someone might consider donating. "Whether someone needs your blood now or in the future you can rest assured that someone will get that blood and greatly benefit in terms of their health and ability to recover after a procedure or surgery."

Plymouth State University will hold its next blood drive in the fall, but those interested on getting a head start can visit www.redcross.org/blood, or contact Community Service Center coordinator, Linda Corriveau for more volunteer opportunities at lmcorriveau1@plymouth.edu.