By: Anna Rouch
In the midst of an ongoing blood shortage, the Kentucky Blood Center visited Bellarmine’s campus for a blood drive on September 1st. The drive saw a great turnout, with 46 students donating- 14 above the projected goal. “We usually do well at this blood drive,” KBC nurse, Victoria Clayton said, “but this was especially busy.”
The increase in registrations may be due to the blood center’s “Summer Giveaway Getaway.” In an attempt to increase donations, the KBC launched a program to register people who donate blood before September 10 for a chance to win a 2022 Toyota RAV4.
Students who missed the blood drive still have the opportunity to enter the raffle by donating at KBC’s office, located at 12905 Shelbyville Road. Walk-ins are welcome, but KBC encourages appointments. To make an appointment, students can visit the Kentucky Blood Center website (kybloodcenter.org), create an account, then choose the date and time.
The donation process is fairly quick. Bellarmine student Brandon Meyer has had his blood drawn by KBC and has worked at other blood drives: “It took about 15 to 20 minutes. After you get your blood drawn they want you to stay after about 15 minutes to make sure you don’t pass out,” he said, “But once you’re good to go and have enough fluids, it all went smoothly.”
To donate, students must take precautions before their blood is drawn. KBC nurse, Victoria Brown said: “Drink a lot of water. Don’t do something super crazy.” She emphasized students shouldn’t exercise before they get their blood drawn because they do not want an elevated heart rate or high blood pressure while donating.
If students are interested in the blood drive but unable to donate before September 10, Bellarmine will host a second blood drive on November 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Comments