Shawnee State University regularly partners with the American Red Cross to offer opportunities for the campus community to donate blood and make a difference in the lives of people who need those donations. However, you don’t have to wait for a campus blood drive to make a donation. You can visit the Red Cross website, type in your ZIP code and make an appointment when you see a convenient date for you.
Make sure you are at least 17 years or older, drink plenty of water beforehand, have a light meal, bring a form of photo ID, and they will provide snacks for the aftercare. You may feel lightheaded or dizzy after, so it is very important to take it easy for the rest of the day. Once you donate, you are not eligible to donate again for eight weeks.
Although donating blood can be intimidating, a single donation can save up to three lives. There are benefits in the process for donors, too. As a donor, you get a mini check-up, including a free health screening that addresses your risk of heart disease, and a blood pressure test. You can also find out your blood type.
The donation process only takes around 10 minutes. It is quick and easy, as the well-trained professionals will make sure that you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Fans are blown on the donors to help them remain cool and to establish a calming environment. In some donation locations, organizers even incentivize donations with free T-shirts, chances to enter raffles and other prizes.
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=45662
