Blood drive at HFC: $10 gift card and a chance to win $5,000
HFC and the American Red Cross ask for your participation in a life-giving blood drive Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Community Rooms of the Welcome Center (Building WC on the main campus). Anyone over the age of 16 may consider donating blood (see specific eligibility requirements here. Most people are eligible!).
Founded in 1881, the Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education throughout the United States. Your blood will be taken by a trained health care professional. The procedure is safe and only takes about 10 minutes.
Blood donors help people of all ages. Some of the reasons people need blood:
- Accident and burn victims
- Heart surgery and organ transplant patients
- Cancer patients
Make an appointment today to donate your blood
Blood cannot be manufactured; it must come from people. The blood you donate will be used for life-sustaining and life-saving help for those in need.
Please sign up for an appointment today in the Welcome Center
Save time!
You can save up to 15 minutes by signing up for RapidPass to complete your pre-donation registration and health history.
If you cannot attend the blood drive October 16-17, you can still donate blood. Visit RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: HFC) or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
$10 plus a chance to win $5,000
If you give blood in October, you can register to receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email. You will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners.
Register today to receive an Amazon.com gift card
(Select the "by distance" tab to easily find the HFC blood drive)
The “Power Red” option to double the impact of your blood donation
This totally optional, and you can register for a regular slot if you prefer. But if you are generally healthy, have type O+/-, A- or B-, blood types and would like to double the impact of your donation, you can consider taking one of the Power Red time slots (6 available each day). This option uses only your red blood cells, and because your platelets and plasma are returned to you, you might actually feel more hydrated. Here's some more info about the Power Red donation option:
Why should you consider Power Red? You may already know about the ongoing need for blood and the importance of your blood donations. Whole blood donations contain red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells. Red blood cells are the most frequently used blood component and are needed by almost every type of patient requiring transfusion. If you meet certain criteria, Power Red allows you to safely donate two units of red cells during one appointment as an automated donation process. It is as safe as whole blood donation.
How is it different? During your Power Red, blood is drawn from one arm through an automated process. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to you through the same arm.
Save time and make your blood donation go further: If you are extremely busy, committed to donating blood and an eligible type O, A negative or B negative donor, Power Red may be ideal for you. Each procedure lets you give more of the product that is needed most by patients. Power Red (double red cell donation) takes approximately 30 minutes longer than a whole blood donation and you can donate approximately every four months.
Feel hydrated: With all of your platelets and plasma returned to you along with some saline, you don’t lose the liquid portion of your blood and may feel more hydrated after your donation.
Worried about donating blood?
It's natural to be nervous about needles and donating blood. If you are generally healthy and want to make a difference, consider donating blood! Here are some tips to help reduce your nervousness:
- Eat well and hydrate the night before.
- Dress in comfortable clothes, with a shirt/top that is non-restrictive and short-sleeved (or with sleeves that are easily rolled up).
- Breathe. Don't look at the needle -- it only takes half a second to get started. The Red Cross staff are experienced pros at this.
- Bring some favorite music with headphones to help you relax during the donation.
- Remember why you are donating blood. It is life-sustaining and life-saving, and all it costs you is a bit of time.
- Done? Celebrate! Enjoy a snack when you're done, and encourage others to join in this essential, life-sustaining effort.
For questions or more information, contact Tiffany Webster at 313-845-9692 or tlwebster1@hfcc.edu.