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   Over 30 people made donations at the American Red Cross Blood Drive Jan. 25. The event, sponsored by Student Health Services, took place in the Gibson University Center Green Room.

   The American Red Cross operates as a community blood center with nation-wide reach, according to Terri Richardson, registered nurse and director of Student Health Services. Blood donated meets local needs first. In 2003, over 300,000 units of blood and platelet products were provided to 70 hospitals in Arkansas and surrounding areas.

   "For the past several semesters, our campus community has come through with great blood drives," Richardson said.

   The Blood Drive Team consisted of representatives from American Red Cross, UAM Knights, UAM Medical Sciences Club, University Center Staff and UAM Student Health Services.  

   Certain guidelines must be met before making donations, according to the American Red Cross. To give blood for transfusion to another person, one must be healthy, be at least 17 years old, or 16 years old if allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last eight weeks (56 days).

   Other aspects of each potential donor's health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count are measured.

   The LifeShare blood drive took place 77 days prior to the American Red Cross drive, which allowed previous donors to participate again. However, fewer people contributed this time.

   "The drive went smoothly, but we had a smaller turnout than the past several blood drives," Richardson said. "This was probably partially due to the fact that so many people in our campus community have upper respiratory infections right now."

   Collections for January have been much lower than normal statewide, according to American Red Cross Representative Lucy Morgan. UAM did however have 39 attempts made at the drive with 34 units collected. Ten first-time donors also participated.

   The next blood drive takes place Wednesday, April 12 and Richardson urges all students, faculty and staff to participate.

   The following facts represent the need for donations:

•    Every 2 seconds, someone in America needs blood.
•    On an average day, 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed.
•    An accident victim usually needs from four to 20 units of red cells.
•    A premature baby requires between one and four units of red cells while in intensive care.
•    A patient with leukemia is given up to six units of red cells and one transfusion of platelets daily from two to four weeks.

    "You never know when you, a loved one or a friend will need blood," Richardson said. "Blood must be available before it is needed."

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