Amarillo College hosted a blood drive Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Coffee Memorial Blood Center came to the Washington Street Campus, and students took advantage of the opportunity to donate blood. Vanessa Avila, a phlebotomist, was one of several nurses taking blood from donors. “It’s important to donate, because you’re saving a person’s life,” Avila said. “It’s true that just one bag can save up to three people’s lives.” When someone donates blood, they should make sure to eat before donating. It could prevent a negative reaction. Donors also need to bring some form of identification. “You come in, sign your name, then we get you through the screening process,” Avila said. “You’re on the computer and answer a survey of 46 questions, and from there you’re eligible to donate.” People can donate every 56 days. Avila said Coffee Memorial seems to get many donors when it comes to the WSC. “I know for a fact that every time we come here, we are constantly busy,” she said. Some people avoid donating because they are afraid of needles. “I wanted to donate, but needles in general tend to scare me,” said Abel Perez, a general studies major. “When looking at how many people actually need the blood, it’s amazing.” Other students said they were OK with the whole process of donating and dealing with the needle.Jorge Sanchez, an instruments and electronics technician major, was a participant who plans to continue donating. “Donating is very personal with me due to the fact of seeing family members and even friends in need of the transfer,” Sanchez said. Coffee Memorial Blood Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays; and from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays. It is closed on Sundays. For more information on donating blood, visit www.thegiftoflife.org.
Leave a Reply