The American Red Cross partnered up with Kennesaw State University on Sept. 6 and 7 to sponsor the first blood drive of the semester.
More than 300 students donated blood across the two-day span, surpassing expectations.
“It really helps people all over the country, all over the world actually, because every pint of blood can help up to three people,” said Flora Lowe, associate administrator for Volunteerism and Service Learning Support. “So it’s not just one-on-one. It really makes a big difference.”
It is important to be aware of certain restrictions and to know the necessary preparations before donating. Students are reminded to eat and drink before donating blood, and the requirements are different between genders. Donors must be a certain weight, height and age, and the iron level in the blood must be a specific number.
Unfortunately, many students are unable to donate because they don’t have enough iron in their blood. Lowe, with Volunteerism and Service Learning Support, said she “cheats” by taking iron pills a few days prior to donating.
The next blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8-9.
