The Lane Memorial Blood Bank staff says it is looking to tap 200 donors during today and Wednesday’s blood drive in the Fir Room of the EMU. The blood bank is holding the drive with the Alumni Association.
People interested in donating blood can do so from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Donors must weigh more than 110 pounds, be in good health and must not have received any tattoos or body piercings in the last year. Those planning to participate should eat a meal within two hours of donating and bring picture ID.
Donor recruiter Christine Stockdale said Eugene is not in dire need of blood at this time, but it could be a different story in the future.
“With University students, we hope that they will start a habit of donating to take with them when they leave school,” she said.
Zoe Jones, the Alumni Association blood drive chair, said many students often don’t have the chance to go out and donate, especially those who live on campus and don’t have transportation.
“Students are a large population that’s pretty much untapped,” she said. “People who give blood actually make a huge difference, and we want to see that continue.”
While most agree that donating blood is important, Linda Reinhart, a registered nurse and assistant supervisor for the blood bank, said some people can’t get past their fears or misconceptions about donating blood, such as a fear of needles or possible side effects. She said people who hesitate to donate are welcome to visit the drive and have their questions answered.
“Some are maybe a little nervous about it, but many donate for the first time and come out saying it was really easy,” she said.
Reinhart said blood supplies need to be replaced every 42 days to maintain freshness, so it’s vital to keep holding blood drives.