Step up to save lives
February 25, 2008
If you could take just 20 minutes out of your day to help save not one, but three lives, would you do it?
Over 15 million people in the United States donate blood every year, but more is desperately needed. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and because blood cannot be manufactured, those people’s lives are dependent on voluntary donors.
According to Carol Stubblefield, Student Services, the blood drive at Miami Hamilton began in 1990 through the Office of Student Services, but the OWLS adopted the project several years ago. The event is held once in the spring and again in the late fall.
“In November, 228 pints of blood were collected, which is a little low.” Stubblefield says. “We had 20 donors, but there are usually between 25-30. In the time frame we have (10am-3pm), with the mobile unit, that’s all they can handle.”
Over the years, Stubblefield estimates Miami Hamilton faculty, staff and students have given approximately 7,752 pints of blood.
One of Miami Hamilton’s most dedicated donors is Dr. Richard Munson, botany professor and manager of The Conservatory, who has donated over 31 gallons of blood, platelets and plasma over the years.
“ I first donated at age 30 when I was a graduate student at Cornell. I remember my first donation very well as it was somewhat embarrassing when I nearly passed out and had to lie down on a cot until the dizziness went away! That was a whole blood donation.” Munson recalls.
“It was peer pressure that got me to donate the first time. A fellow graduate student, a Navy veteran, was going to donate and he gave me a hard time about Army guys being wimps, so I had to meet his challenge! The first 25 times I donated, I donated whole blood. Since then I have exclusively donated only platelets and plasma. I have now contributed a total of 245 times (31 gallons, 5 pints).”
Munson adds, “I love to give because it is a completely selfless way to give the gift of life to someone whom I don't even know. But I know they need it, I have it, and I don't need it as much as they do. It gives me a good feeling to donate.”
Requirements to donate blood include:
- Must be 17 years old and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
- Most people on medication can donate, but the Blood Center will make that determination depending on the type of medication.
- Social Security number is required. Photo ID will full name and verification of social security number is also acceptable.
- Donors must wait 56 days following a whole blood donation before they can give again.
Temporary restrictions:
- Current cold or flu symptoms, including a cough, sore throat or fever.
- Dental work including root canal, oral surgery or extraction of wisdom teeth.
- Pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion.
- Tattoos or body piercing must have been done by a licensed parlor in Ohio or Kentucky. If not, then there is a one year deferral.
If you have any questions about restrictions, please call nursing supervisors at 1.800.388.4483.
The Blood Mobile will be on Hamilton’s campus on Thursday, February 28 from 10am-3pm. Students, faculty and staff can sign up in the Student Services Office (130 Rentschler) or at the desk in Rentschler Library (2nd floor of Schwarm). Walk-in’s are also welcome, but may have to wait.
The blood bank is reporting that there is still a shortage of blood, so take advantage of this opportunity to join the “vein-to-vein” chain that helps save lives.
