Another Knox defeat?

As the winners shed more blood

By Julie Trac
News Editor

On Thursday, October 27, # MC students and faculty as well as Monmouth residents donated # units of blood during the 13th annual Blood Drop Challenge against Knox College. The blood drive was sponsored by MC’s Wellness Program.

The winner of the Blood Drop Challenge will receive a traveling plaque at a later date.

According to the American Red Cross, 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed on an average day to supply the military, other blood centers and the 5,000 hospitals in the U.S.

Since there is no substitute for blood, there must always be a steady supply; however, only 5% of the eligible population donates blood. Those who do donate will donate approximately 1.5 times a year.

When blood is donated, it is considered whole blood which is then separated into multiple components. Because of this process, several patients can benefit from just one person’s donation.  

Red blood cells can be stored for 42 days while platelets and plasma can be stored up to 5 days and 1 year, respectively.

Blood is used in many ways for premature babies, accident victims, transplant recipients, and during surgeries. As much as 20 units of red cells can be used at one time.

To be eligible to donate blood, one must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated in the past 8 weeks. Also, one must pass the physical and health examinations given prior to donation.

You may have missed this week’s blood drive; however, consider donating in the future by visiting www.givelife.org or calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or at the next Blood Drop Challenge. An hour or less of your time will make a difference in someone’s life who needs blood as well as another chance to beat Knox students and faculty.