United Way of Lowndes County, WCBI, Main Street Columbus, the city of Columbus, Papa John”s and WLZA 96.1 will host a United Blood Service drive May 26 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center lower level.
“During the summer months, there tends to be higher demand for blood and blood by-products, while blood donations tend to be fewer,” UBS Representative Jenae Hardy said.
According to Hardy, donating blood is a safe and simple process.
“Most donors find it painless and an easy way to help someone by literally saving a life,” Hardy said.
Here”s what to expect when donating blood. A brief interview is the first step. Donors will be asked about their medical history and current health. Next, technicians check the donor”s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, blood hemoglobin level and cholesterol.
Donors can choose from whole blood donation or double red cell donation. Depending on the system used, donation times vary. Technicians collect the blood donations into a special container. All materials used during the donation process are sterile and used only once. Donors cannot contract any diseases by giving blood.
Afterward, donors rest briefly and consume refreshments.
“This year, donors will receive free pizza from Papa John”s, a free T-shirt and a chance to win round-trip airplane tickets to anywhere in the U.S.,” Hardy said.
Before arriving to the blood drive, Hardy recommends going online to read the blood donor qualifications at www.unitedbloodservices.org. Hardy also recommends pre-registering online at www.bloodhero.com using code M160F.
For more information, call United Way at 662-328-0943.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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