ULV donates life through blood

photo by Amy Babin

ASF's annual blood drive was held in the Student Center Nov. 12. Eric Wagstron cared for donors such as Tony Bergman. Victor Ales, working with the mobile operation, separated the samples and put them in the cooler to "prepare for shipment."

by Alejandra Molina
Assistant Editor

More than 50 ULV students, faculty and staff showed up at the student center earlier this month to donate blood for the University's blood drive.

"It was a successful drive," said Sandra Loyola, charge nurse.

Loyola said she believes it is vital for people to donate blood because of the tremendous amount needed across the country.

"The patients really do need it, " she said.

Once taken, donated blood is processed, tested and distributed to the hospitals.

"This is my third time donating blood and the reason I do it is because it makes me feel good," said freshman Jerrica Perez.

For those who plan to donate blood, Loyola recommends drinking plenty of water and fluids and eating a good meal beforehand.

"The more hydrated the better," Loyola said.

Turnout could perhaps have been better, but some students interested had recently travelled, while others had recently gotten tattoos, rendering them ineligible this time around.

Also a lot of women here have low blood-iron or are underweight and therefore cannot donate, said Eric Wagstrom, medical assistant.

Donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.

Donating blood takes about an hour and involves a four-step process including an interview for where a trained technician reviews the potential donor's health history. Then, the blood collection staff checks potential donors' blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and iron level.

The procedure of donating blood takes between 5 and 10 minutes and refreshments and snacks are usually provided.