For the past 40 years, Bryant University has teamed up with the Rhode Island Blood Center to host two blood drives each semester.
Bryant is actually one of RIBC’s original sponsors, and throughout their partnership, Bryant has helped to collect 14,381 pints of blood which has gone to help 43,143 patients in need – this is huge!
For the November blood drive – which is this Thursday and Friday in Janikies – Her Campus Bryant has teamed up with the RIBC to bring you all the information you need to know before you decide to donate blood!
Where: Janikies Theater
Date/Time:
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Thursday, November 21st from 10 AM – 5 PM
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Friday, November 22nd from 9 AM – 3 PM
First and foremost, why is it important to give blood?
Obviously giving blood can help to save a life, but did you know that one donation can actually go to save three people?
Only 37% of Americans are eligible to donate, and less than 10% of these people actually do. In Rhode Island alone, there are over 370,000 people eligible to give blood but under 5% of that population actually donate.
So, ask yourself the question, “why not give blood and help my neighbors?”
The process of donating blood is actually quick, easy and painless!
You’ll start by filling out a brief form that outlines your health history, and then meet with a donor specialist to check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and a quick finger prick to test your blood. The donation process itself takes only five to ten minutes, and the most pain you’ll feel is a slight pinch! There are virtually no side effects afterward, but it is recommended that you enjoy a drink and a small snack to avoid feeling faint.
So, what happens afterward? Where does your blood go and who can it help?
One in seven people in the hospital is in need of blood.
In fact, blood donations are actually needed every two seconds! Donations go to accident victims, cancer patients, surgery patients, and so many more people in need. Just one donation can go to help three individual patients!
If you’re curious about whether or not you are eligible to give blood, we recommend checking out the RIBC’s website, where they outline who can and cannot donate.
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to donate if:
- You weigh less than 110lbs
- You are pregnant
- You are currently on antibiotics
- You have flu-like symptoms
- You have had hepatitis B or C
- You have any STDs/STIs
For more information on eligibility, click here.
If you are interested in registering for the blood drive or have any more questions, stop by the Her Campus table in the Roto Monday through Thursday!
All information in this article can be found on RIBC’s website.
Cover Provided by Rhode Island Blood Center | Photo 1 | Gif graphics by Giphy