Give blood, save lives

By Michelle Anstett
Courier Staff

In the basement of the Stockdale Center on Thursday, April 7, the American Red Cross and Monmouth College Greek Life will be co-sponsoring the annual Greek Week blood drive.

Blood is always in high demand, especially following a holiday season. Spring is a good time to donate blood, and the demand for blood never decreases. Blood is especially in high demand for rare blood types such as AB negative and B negative. While donating blood may be scary for some, it is a relatively painless process for those who know what to expect.

All students who have not donated blood since February 9 and weigh between 110 and 350 pounds may be eligible for donation. There are other requirements which interested parties may find out from any of the assistants on the day of the drive.

According to Margaret Donnelly, chair of the blood drive, in addition to the traditional blood drive, the Greek Week blood drive will be accepting double red cell donations. Men wishing to donate must be at least 5’1” and weigh 150 pounds, while women must be at least 5’5” and weight 175 pounds. Interested donors should inquire at the time of donation.

All donors, even those who attempt to donate, receive a free t-shirt and some snacks. Anyone considering donating should eat a well-balanced meal the morning of the drive, drink plenty of fluids following donation, and should refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours afterward.

Donnelly said the Greek Week blood drive took in approximately 94 pints last year, and “we hope to break 106 pints this year.”

Appointments were scheduled this week, but walk-ins are always welcome. Anyone wishing to donate blood should go to the basement of Stockdale sometime between 1 and 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Other philanthropic activities planned for Greek Week are a Dorm Storm from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, and Penny Wars during lunch and dinner all next week. Any donations are welcome.

For more information, contact Donnelly, chair of Greek