Students, faculty members and San Diego residents rolled up their sleeves to donate blood to the San Diego Blood Bank in the Price Center Ballroom A starting Oct. 15.
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Over 175 pints of blood were collected over a three-day period. Most donors gave about one pint of blood, a process that took about 20 minutes.
The blood collected this week will be sent to San Diego hospitals to replenish a supply somewhat depleted by donations to New York after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“”We don’t have a shortage, but blood is always needed,”” said Linda Misoni, a registered nurse with the San Diego Blood Bank.
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For those who are able and willing to donate blood, a contribution is always appreciated, Misoni said.
She said There has been an increase in blood donations in the past month.
“”The public has been so wonderful and generous,”” she said. “”The response has been excellent.””
Jessie Lee, a Roosevelt sophomore, donated blood Tuesday morning.
“”It has always been an interest to me,”” Lee said. “”I’ve had a history of family and friends who needed blood, so I thought I would help out.””
Workers at the blood bank recommend that donors prepare properly before donating blood.
“”You should eat a good breakfast and drink a lot of fluids the day before,”” said blood bank worker Willie Nazareno. “”You can’t do this on the spur of the moment.””
Without proper preparation, your body can go into shock and cause you to feel lightheaded or to pass out, Nazareno said.
After giving blood, donors must sit and rest for at least 15 minutes before resuming normal activity.
The San Diego Blood Bank provides participants with doughnuts, orange juice and coffee to help raise their blood pressure back to normal levels after donation.
Once the blood is received, it undergoes extensive testing. In the case that a donor is identified as having certain viruses or diseases, the donor is typically notified by mail.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Before being allowed to donate, participants must fill out a questionnaire and be screened by a nurse.
Pregnant women, people who have had any form of cancer in the past five years, and those feeling the symptoms of a cold or the flu should not donate blood.
The Blood Bank requires that donors wait at least two months between donations.
Repeat donors may be eligible to join the Blood Bank Gallon Club.
Invitation into the club comes after the donation of at least one gallon.
