Kings College Blood Council

Officers / Advisors

Blood Drive Dates

Tip 10 Reasons to give Blood

Tips for a Good Donation Experience

Fun Facts

Officers 2007-2008

Advisors

Blood Drive Dates 2008 - 2009

September 25, 2008

January 22, 2009

March 26, 2009

Top 10 Reasons to give Blood

10. You will get free juice and cookies.

9. You will weigh less - one pint less when you leave than when you came in.

8. It's easy and convenient - it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.

7. It's something you can spare - most people have blood to spare... yet, there is still not enough to go around.

6. Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It's your badge of honor.

5. You will walk a little taller afterwards - you will feel good about yourself.

4. You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don't think they'll ever need blood, but many do.

3. It's something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous - blood is something money can't buy. Only something one person can give to another.

2. You will be someone's hero - you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother, or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.

1. It's the right thing to do.

*courtesy of American Red Cross

 

Tips for a Good Donation Experience

Before Donating

• Get a good night's sleep
• Have a good breakfast or lunch
• Drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume you will donate (avoid tea, coffee, or other beverages with caffeine)
• Eat iron-rich foods - red meat, fish, poultry or liver, beans, iron-fortified cereals, raisins and prunes
• Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream before donating. Tests for infections done on all donated blood can be affected by fatty materials - lipids - that appear in your blood for several hours after eating fatty foods. When this occurs and required testing cannot be performed, the blood may need to be discarded
  

During the Donation

• Wear clothing with sleeves that can be raised above the elbow
• Show the staff any "good veins" that have been used successfully in the past to draw blood.
• Relax
• Take the time to enjoy a snack and a drink in the refreshments area immediately after donating
  

After Donation

• Rehydrate by drinking plenty of fluids over the next 24-48 hours
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation
• If you feel light headed, lie down, preferably with feet elevated, until the feeling passes
• In rare cases when bleeding occurs after removing the bandage, apply pressure to the site and raise your arm for 3-5 minutes; if bleeding or bruising occurs under the skin, apply a cold pack to the area periodically during the first 24 hours
  

  *courtesy of American Red Cross

Fast Facts about Donating Blood

• Approximately 5 percent of the eligible population in the United States donates blood.
  
• Approximately sixty percent of the United States population is eligible to donate blood.
  
• In the United States, a blood transfusion is needed almost every 2 seconds.
  
• Approximately 34,000 units of blood are used each day in the United States.
  
• Approximately one out of every three of us will need donated blood in their lifetime.
  
• Each blood donation can save the lives of up to three people.
  
• Blood makes up about 7 percent of your body's weight.
• An adult of average weight has about 10 - 12 pints of blood
  
• Blood fights against infection and helps heal wounds.
  
• Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.
  
• Platelets help blood to clot.
  
• Plasma helps maintain blood pressure; carries blood cells, nutrients, enzymes, and hormones; and supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity.
  
• There is no substitute for human blood. Blood cannot be manufactured or harvested.
  
• Whole blood donors can safely donate blood every 56 days. Double red cell donors can safely donate blood every 112 days.

  *courtesy of American Red Cross