NWC News Desk

Feb. 7 blood drive scheduled at NWC

Posted January 29, 2007
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P O W E L L, W y o. - United Blood Services will conduct a blood drive Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 1-6 p.m. in the Trapper Rendezvous Lounge of the DeWitt Student Center at Northwest College in Powell.

To avoid waiting in long lines, donors are encouraged to sign up beforehand at the NWC Student Success Center or by e-mailing Roxanne Herman or calling (307) 754-6442.

Donors can plan on spending about 45 minutes in the lounge, which includes time for juice and cookies after blood is drawn. Those who don't already have a United Blood Services donor card must bring some form of identification showing legal name and either date of birth, social security number or photograph. They should also bring a list of all medications they're currently taking.

Donors must weight at least 100 pounds and be in good health. People age 17-79 are eligible to give blood, but those under age 18 must have parental consent. Most medications are acceptable in blood donations, but donors can't have a history of hepatitis, cancer, sexually-transmitted diseases or HIV exposure. People with high blood pressure are suitable donors, as long as their blood pressure is normal at the time they give.

People who have cold or flu symptoms the day of the blood draw shouldn't donate, nor those who've taken antibiotics seven days prior. People shouldn't give blood if in the last 12 months they've received a blood transfusion, had a tattoo, ear or skin piercing, acupuncture, accidental needle prick or have come in contact with someone else's blood (ear piercing at a licensed establishment is acceptable). People who've used a needle to inject non-prescription drugs, including steroids, will not be able to donate.

The Feb. 7 blood drive was arranged by the Student Health Services at Northwest College.