#65: Give the Gift of Life

, located on Beech Street, will be hosting a blood drive for nearly six hours later today.

This event will take place later today from 3:30 p.m until 9 p.m. For parents that want to donate, babysitting services will be available.

The American Red Cross posted information about the process on their website. 

One of the most frequent questions on donating blood is 'how does the process work?' According to the American Red Cross:

"Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference in the lives of others. The donation process from the time you arrive until the time you leave takes about an hour and 15 minutes."

The steps in the process are:

Registration

1. You will complete donor registration, which includes information such as your name, address, phone number, and donor identification number (if you have one).
2. You will be asked to show a donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID.

Health History and Mini Physical

1. You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and the places you have traveled.
2. You will have your temperature, hemoglobin, blood pressure and pulse checked.

Donation

1. We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert a brand–new, sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds.
2. You will have some time to relax while the bag is filling. (For a whole blood donation, it is about 8-10 minutes. If you are donating platelets, red cells or plasma by apheresis the collection can take up to 2 hours.)
3. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staff person will place a bandage on your arm.

Refreshments

1. You will spend a few minutes enjoying refreshments to allow your body time to adjust to the slight decrease in fluid volume.
2. After 10-15 minutes you can then leave the donation site and continue with your normal daily activities.
3. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped to save lives."

So if you have nothing to do or simply want to make a difference in someone's life, head on down to Wantagh Elementary School to give blood. Just one time donating could save up to three people.