SGA holds blood drive

The SGA sponsored a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross Friday November 22. It was held in the wrestling room throughout the day and passes to participating students were handed out during their first period class. Participants must be over 17 and weigh over 110 pounds.

Ninety-nine students were signed up to participate in the Blood Drive. Although not all of the students signed up attended, teacher walk-ins compensated for their numbers. Those who donated on Friday will be eligible to give blood again on January 17.

The number signed up for Friday was fewer than the number who participated in last year's April Blood Drive. SGA sponsor, Julia Smrek, said this decline was due to fewer students having turned 17. She expects greater participation in the SGA's second Blood Drive during the second semester.

All participants were given free "Famous Amos" cookies or pretzels, as well as free sodas and juice. Participants also received Red Cross stickers, a Blood Drive bumper sticker, a "Thanks for Giving" pin, and a CD case which holds 9 disks.

According to the "Post-Donation and Call-Back Instructions" given to donors, participants should take the following precautions after giving blood:

(1) Drink an extra four glasses (8 ounces each) of non-alcoholic liquids.

(2) Keep your bandage on and dry for the next five hours, and do not do heavy exercise or lifting.

(3) If the needle site starts to bleed, raise your arm straight up, and press on the site until the bleeding stops.

(4) If you get dizzy, lie down and raise your feet.

(5) Because you could experience dizziness or loss of strength, use caution if you plan to do anything that could put you or others at risk of harm. For any hazardous occupation or hobby, follow applicable safety recommendations regarding your return to these activities following a blood donation.

(6) If you get a bruise, apply ice to the area immediately for 10-15 minutes during the first 24 hours. Thereafter, apply intermittent warm moist heat for 10-15 minutes to the area. A rainbow of colors may occur for about 10 days.

(7) If you get bruising larger than a 2-3 inch diameter, redness, swelling, or pain where the needle was, or tingling in your fingers or arm, contact the American Red Cross at the telephone number listed below: 1-800-272-2048.