Salt Lake Community College’s own Student Health Advisory Club (SHAC) is hosting a blood drive Monday April 18. The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus in the Student Event Center.
According to SHAC member Paul Barlow, the process of donating blood begins with filling out some paperwork, undergoing a simple blood test and then the actual donation. Blood testing starts out with the possible donor reading an informational blood donation handout and then answering questions about personal health history. After that the person will get their finger pricked to test his or her iron level. If the person qualifies after that process, they will then be set up to donate. The whole process typically takes about half an hour.
“The most common reason someone is unable to [donate] is because of their low iron levels. So prior to donating that week people need to make sure they are getting enough iron,” SHAC member Paul Barlow said.
Barlow adds that there will be snacks for everyone who donates blood.
Interested donors must be over five feet tall, weigh more than 110 pounds and be older than 17 years of age. The donor must also have a healthy blood pressure.
People who have donated blood in the last 56 days are unable to donate. Anyone who has been out of the country visiting certain areas and those who are sick, carrying a disease or an infection are also not eligible. Some people with tattoos and/or piercings may not be able to participate. Certain medications and birth control may also affect eligibility.
People wanting to donate have been asked to reserve a spot by contacting SHAC member Paul Barlow at 801-635-6238 or by email at paulsbarlow7@hotmail.com. More information on specific qualifications for blood donation can be found by contacting American Red Cross Blood Services at 1-866-236-3276.