Last Thursday, on January 25 American Red Cross came to Roosevelt for anybody who wanted to donate blood. Next time they are here and you are interested in donating blood, you can get your form at the student store or from an ASB member. After filling it out you turn it back in to the student store or take it with you to the cafeteria where the blood drive is going to be held, and turn it in there. If you are less than 18 years old, you will need parental permission to give blood and have to be at least 16 years old to donate. I talked to Andrea Franco and why she would like to donate blood and she said, “I want to donate blood because it is a way I can help without giving money,” she also mentioned, “I don’t need it so might as well give it to someone that does.”

As you get ready to donate blood your should always stay hydrated and maintain a healthy level of iron in your food consumption before you donate blood. Also, wear something comfortable, since you need to be able to relax for the donation process to go smoothly. Bring your ID and a list of all the medications you are currently taking. Andrea Franco said, “I would prepare my body by getting a good meal and sleep the night before and eating and hydrating a lot, especially after.”

Once you get to the cafeteria, you will go to registration After that someone will talk to you about you health history and all of the places you have traveled to. Then they will check you temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and your hemoglobin level present in a small sample of blood. Then you will donate blood, and after you should have a refreshment and snack at the snack area, after you are done.

After your donation try to drink more water and not do any heavy lifting or excessive exercise.