The PTA is helping organize a blood drive on Tuesday, October 18, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverside High School.
In order to participate in the blood drive, an appointment must be scheduled through The Blood Connection Website.
According to the website, those who already have an account with the website will simply have to log in and schedule an appointment, but those without one must sign up and then schedule an appointment.
The minimum age to participate is 16. However, 16-year-olds need a written parental consent in order to participate. In addition, participants must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Before donating blood, questions about health, travel, and medicine will be asked to those participating. The questions must be answered truthfully to ensure the safety of patients who’ll recieve the blood being donated.
After the set of questions, participants will get their blood pressure and temperature checked. A small blood sample will also be taken from participants to ensure they’re not anemic.
If the donor is eligible to donate blood then the procedure of collecting blood will take place.
First, their arm will be cleansed with an antiseptic; afterward, a new, sterile, and disposable needle will be used to collect blood.
Once a donor’s blood is collected, it is sent to a processing lab where it is tested for transfusion disease.
If the donor’s blood is tested positive it will not be transfused to a patient, and this information will remain confidential. Donors will be informed about test results that disqualified them from donating blood for future donations.
Blood that is donated is used for different types of needs, such as cancer patients, burn victims, trauma cases, surgical procedures, and more.
Hurricane Ian increased the need for blood donations, according to a recent News & Observer article.
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