Blood drives save lives
Liberty University collects more than 50 units of blood
A blood drive was held Wednesday, Jan. 25, in the back hall of DeMoss Commons at Liberty University from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. The event was sponsored by the Virginia Blood Services and the College of General Studies.
Blood drive — Community members partake in the campus-wide blood drive. Photo credit: Kate Powley
“During the winter months regular blood donors go down due to illness and holidays and hospital rates go up,” Virginia Blood Service’s Communications Manager Marly Fausz said.
Winter is an especially important time for blood donations because of holidays. There is usually a greater amount of traffic accidents and patients dependent on blood treatments tend to use more blood, according to the Virginia Blood Services.
“When you give blood, it stays local,” Fausz said. “It’s important for members of the community to come out to help meet the needs.”
According to statistics provided by the Virginia Blood Services, one pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives and every two seconds someone needs blood. The statistics show that more than 450 pints of donated blood are needed by the Virginia Blood Services each day in order to provide for patients.
“(As college students), we are in the prime of our lives, age wise … why not give blood when you’re young,” junior Timothy Hepburn said.
Hepburn has donated blood four times in his life and began donating during basic training. “It went to soldiers before anyone else … it’s important for me to do service before anything else,” Hepburn said.
Lynchburg residents and university staff members were also able to attempt to give blood and save lives.
“It doesn’t matter who gets it as long as they can use it,” Larry Whately, 62, said. “ I have plenty to share.” Whately has been donating blood several times a year since he was 18. “You know what hurts the worst? Taking the tape off,” Whately said.
Colleges such as James Madison University, Virginia Tech and other local community colleges also participate in blood drives using the Virginia Blood services.
“I hope (Liberty) is our largest college group yet,” Fausz said. Liberty is new to the Virginia Blood Services, typically using organizations such as the Red Cross. The Red Cross serves the needs of hospitals nationwide, where the Virginia Blood Service impacts the community directly.
So what advice can veterans of blood donation give to those considering donating?
“Don’t be nervous and make sure you eat,” Hepburn said. “Don’t do anything extreme like run a marathon … plan out the rest of the day before you give blood.”
Donors must be healthy, at least 16 years old with parental consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donating blood typically takes less than an hour after an anonymous question screening about travel and lifestyles. A mini health screen is then used in order to record blood pressure, temperature and iron levels.
For more information on the Virginia Blood Services, donation times and directions to a donation center, go to www.VAblood.org.