Colleges-wide Blood Drive: Friday

The City of Hope will host its 10th annual Colleges-wide blood/bone marrow registry drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 9 in the Green Room of the Platt Campus Center at Harvey Mudd College.
This is an opportunity to give much-needed blood and/or be listed in the National Marrow Donor Program, which is the registry used throughout the world.
Coordinators say the economy is affecting donor turnoutwith layoffs and the downsizing of companies, some employers are not allowing staff time away to give blood, or are backing away from blood-drive sponsorship.
"This past February was the worst collection month I have experienced since coming to City of Hope six years ago," says Tracee Elder, City of Hope recruiting coordinator. "This is why we are counting on colleges, churches, high schools, and organizations to sponsor drives to help keep the blood supply up."
Because of the rising cost of purchasing blood from blood-collection centers, City of Hope is one of many hospitals in Southern California that has added a blood donor center at its location.
Appointments for Friday's drive are every 20 minutes, beginning at 9 a.m. Picture identification, such as a driver's license, California ID, passport, or student ID card, as well Social Security Number, are required upon arrival. Donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids and MUST have a meal or snack before the appointment (no fatty foods and no coffee or caffeine-containing drinks before donating).
All blood donors will have an opportunity to participate in a drawing to win prizes.
The FDA sets guidelines for giving blood and for marrow testing. Because this blood is being used for cancer patients, guidelines are numerous and are strictly adhered to.
Be sure you can donate by first reading the qualifications: http://www.cityofhope.org/patient_care/medical-facilities/blood-donor-center/Pages/donation-qualifications.aspx. Kristina Bergess '12