Riley Eike
Contributing Writer
January is National Blood Donor Month, which means the American Red Cross Blood Drive is returning to St. Bonaventure next week.
The Red Cross will set up in the Merton Center on Wednesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 30 from noon to 7 p.m. and open to anyone willing to donate who meets the regulations for donations.
Last semester, Bonaventure held two blood drives, one in September and one in November.
“The American Red Cross is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to Olean General Hospital,” said Melissa Riehle, account manager for the blood services division of the American Red Cross.
Due to the severe winter weather during the past couple of weeks, in the Western New York and N.Y.-Pa. region, many donors have not been able to travel to blood drives and donate.
American Red Cross blood drives were cancelled on several occasions. Because of this, approximately 3,425 blood and platelet donations could not be collected from the Blood Services Division, according to Riehle.
“While the severe winter weather impacts donation opportunities, hospital patients still need transfusions of blood and platelets,” Riehle said.
According to Riehle, the Red Cross has many regulations for blood donors.
“Donors must be 18 years or older, at least 110 pounds, have not received a tattoo or self-piercing in the past 12 months, be relatively healthy and come with a photo ID,” Riehle said. “It is encouraged that donors eat and drink before giving in order to prevent a negative reaction to the donation.”
Aaron Byrne, a freshman sports studies major, is familiar with the process, having donated blood six times previously.
“I feel that with my donation I can save lives,” Byrne said. “Besides, the extra blood benefits others more than it benefits me.”
Ellen Piper, a freshman theology major, and Shannon Murray, a freshman biology major, have both donated blood to cross something off the “101 Things to Do at Bonaventure” list put together by First Year Experience.
“Be blood buddies with your roomie,” Murray said, referencing the list. “It is important to eat before you go and to not exercise afterwards.”
The American Red Cross is celebrating National Blood Donor Month by giving all donors a free t-shirt and a coupon for a complimentary pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
To receive a full list regarding eligibility, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
