The Red Cross will have its first Ball State blood drive of the Fall Semester, expecting to see large numbers in participation.
A mobile Red Cross donation unit collecting blood donations will be located between the Teacher's College and the Art and Journalism Building from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Thursday.
Shelby Norris, communications manager for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the Red Cross, said there are many people who need blood transfusions for a variety of reasons.
"Accident victims need your red cells, cancer patients need your platelets and burn victims need your plasma," she said. "Right now there is an urgent need for blood donors. A decline in blood donations is typical during the summer, as donors become busy. All types are needed, but type O negative donors can make the difference between an adequate blood supply and a shortage."
Senior Alexis Stellato said she had donated in the past, but she said she was not sure whether she would donate this Wednesday because she had not heard any information about the event.
Norris said many people are unaware of how much blood is used daily.
"In our region alone, at least 500 units of blood are needed every day to meet patient needs and supply blood products to the more than 60 hospitals across the region that we serve," she said. "We hope to collect at least 70 pints of blood over the two-day event."
Ted Hack, a junior, said he was also unaware of the blood drive, but he would consider donating. He recalled his prior experience donating blood.
"I passed out the first time I gave," Hack said.
For preparations, the Red Cross suggests that all donors eat a healthy meal and stay well hydrated.
"During the donation you want to continue drinking liquids and then after the donation as well." Norris said. "After the donation you want to give your body time […], so for some people that means no strenuous activity, and avoid lifting anything heavy with the [donation] arm."
Junior Ben Barrett was unafraid of the idea, saying, "I'm not using it all anyway!"
Phi Gamma Delta, the sponsor of the event, will give out a $50 gasoline card in a raffle to all that participate and register.
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