Written by Stephanie G Healy
“Our goal was [to get] 48 units of blood on Monday, 61 units of blood on Tuesday, and 55 units of blood on Wednesday,” said Senior Donor Recruitment Representative Becky Stricklin. “So far, we have 157 units of blood.”A person can only donate one unit of blood every 56 days. According to GiveLife.org, “38,000 units of blood needed on any given day.”Yet theStandford University School of Medicine’s web siteshows this need isn’t being met. “Sixty percent ofthe U.S. population is eligible to donate blood,” stated the Stanford School of Medicine. Yet, “less than 5 percent of the eligible Americans donate blood.”So why are so few donating blood?”If you can do it you should,” statedHarding Universityfreshman Courtney Schandevel. But, gesturing to her arm she continued, “I did get hurt from it [yesterday].”Schandevel now has a two inch cut on her arm. However, other students show that having an inadequate supply of iron, not weighing enough, or even low blood sugar keeps them from donating.”I don’t have enough iron,” freshman Maggie Roth said. “But if I did, I would.”TheAmerican Red Crossrequires the donor to ” be healthy, be at least 17 years old or 16 years old if allowed by state law, [weigh] at least 110 pounds, and not have donated whole blood in the last 56 days or double red [blood] cells in the last 112 days.”
Whole blood has red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. It’s usually used in cardiac surgeries, situations of massive hemorrhage, and even acute chest syndrome. On the other hand, double red blood cells have hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Trauma patients need this donation.
One donation can save up to three lives.
“OEGE has been [in charge] of this drive for a long time,” OEGE Social Club Blood Donor Director Kelda Inness said. “We intend to continue this partnership with the Red Cross and save lives.”
“Sometimes it’s a hassle, but it’s worth it,” stated freshmen Kinsey Savage.
Harding University’s next blood drive is scheduled for January 25thand 26th. It will continue to be in the Hammon Room above the Student Center. But, for those who missed this blood drive, the American Red Cross does have a fixed donation site open Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 am to six pm on 1120 South Main Street in Searcy. Their contact number is (501) 368-0695.
