SGA to sponsor blood drive on April 29

The SGA and INOVA health system are sponsoring a blood drive for Blair staff and students on April 29 in the wrestling room from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Registration will take place at lunch outside the SAC every day until April 28.

In order to participate, students must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have waited at least 56 days after a blood donation, according to SGA sponsor Rondai Ravilious. Parent permission is required for students under 18 years old and encouraged for students 18 or older. A photo ID is required.

Students will be assigned a time to come to the gym and given an appointment card to get out of class, says SGA representative Rebecca Elias.

Blair faculty members who are interested in donating blood can walk in any time during the day on April 29 or schedule an appointment by e-mailing Ravilious.

According to Ravilious, Blair holds two blood drives each year. Usually about 85 to 90 people are eligible to donate blood, although more sign up, she says.

Students are not eligible to donate blood if they are pregnant or have severe asthma, melanoma, anemia, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, low blood pressure or high blood pressure. A one-year wait is required after getting a tattoo or visiting a country with a high risk of malaria.

Before donating, participants will be given a brief physical exam to take their temperature, blood pressure, pulse and a drop of blood to confirm eligibility for donation, according to INOVA.com. Donors also will be asked a few confidential questions about their health.

After donating blood, participants will be given juice and a snack to increase blood sugar levels. Students are strongly encouraged to eat breakfast before giving blood, drink plenty of liquids after donation to replace lost fluids and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after donating.

For more specific information about eligibility for donation, call INOVA at 703-208-7000 or visit here.