Written by Rachael Hirstein
With the Big Red Bus parked outside DeSantis so often, it’s hard not to think about donating blood. But what does it really mean to do so? Organizations like the Red Cross and OneBlood allow nearly anyone to help save lives just by donating a few pints of blood.
According to the Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. This stresses the importance of donating blood; however, there are precautions and requirements when it comes to donating.
When preparing to give blood, there is a screening form that potential donors must fill out to see if they are eligible to donate.
Both OneBlood and the Red Cross have requirements, such as weighing 110 lbs. if the potential donor is 5 feet or taller, being at least 17 years old or 16 with a parent’s permission. Someone that does not meet the requirements will not be allowed to donate due to safety and liability concerns.
According to the Red Cross and OneBlood, whole blood donations can be made six times a year, with 56 days in between each donation. Power Red donations, which entail donating two units of red blood cells during a single donation, while getting plasma and platelets returned, require 16 weeks in between each donation.
Donating blood can save the lives of those in need of blood transfusions, those in surgery or even those who have gone through automobile accidents.
Alyssa Yarbough, sophomore communications major, has donated blood in the past with the Red Cross and enjoyed her experience.
“I did not know much about donating blood prior to doing it,” she said. “My experience with donating blood was great; they made me feel comfortable, calm and at ease. Donating blood makes me feel great because I know that there are people in the world who need it, and I’m helping those in need.”
Rewards can come out of donating blood as well. The Big Red Bus gives out free movie tickets to those who donate, and the Red Cross gives out gift certificates on certain days.
It’s simple to schedule an appointment at either the Red Cross or OneBlood.
To donate through the Red Cross, go to http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood or call 305-644-1200 for their Miami location at 335 SW 27th Avenue. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but they are closed on weekends and holidays.
To donate through OneBlood, go to https://www.oneblood.org/donate-now/ or call 954-378-1188 for the Hollywood Donor Center at 3615 Hollywood Boulevard.
The Big Red Bus is also stationed outside the DeSantis building multiple times a week looking for donors throughout the day.
