In preparation for their second blood drive, USAO’s Red Cross Club (RCC) is planning to provide pancakes, toppings, and a Godzilla x Kong t-shirt to those who donate blood. The drive will be Tuesday, Mar. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the USAO Ballroom.
Harry Cracknell, RCC’s president, had the idea of providing pancakes for donors after reading that creative ideas draw in more donors, and he said that most people love sweet treats. He continued to say that Sodexo will provide a self-serving table for the pancakes and a multitude of toppings.
“For every pint that you give, there’s three lives that you save. So, I just feel like that’s a lot right there. It’s something that you don’t even have to think about – you just go and do it,” Lydia Darce, RCC’s vice president, said. “I just feel like it’s really important because there’s always a national blood shortage, always. So, it’s always good to give if you can.”
RCC posted a sign-up link with 38 slots to donate, half are blood donations and half are Power Red donations. According to the link, a blood donation is the most common type, and it is where a pint of “whole blood” is doated. In comparison, a Power Red donation “collects the red cells but returns most of the plasma and platelets to the donor.” Power Red donors have certain blood type requirements, including A-, B-, or O blood.
Cracknell and Darce emphasized the importance of getting a good night’s sleep, hydrating, and eating a meal before donating blood, as it will make the process smoother for the donor. Eating a protein-rich meal at least 30 minutes before your appointment is crucial according to Cracknell. The average appointment lasts between 20-30 minutes, and it is recommended to show up early to complete a few forms and an iron test – which shows it is safe for a donor to give blood.
“Most people, unfortunately, get put off giving blood due to bad prior experiences or simply being afraid of needles. However, our most important job is to make our donors feel as comfortable as possible from showing to leaving,” Cracknell said. “We will always have someone there supporting and distracting you, so you won’t feel alone.”
RCC’s increased their goal from the fall when they hosted their first blood drive. Cracknell said the goal was raised from 24 to 28 donors, although the club executives are hoping to beat 38 units, which was how many they saw in October 2023.
Although, there are many ways to help RCC reach their goal even if individuals are not comfortable donating themselves. Cracknell said to share it everywhere – with friends, family, and social media – because “the impact of simply telling someone about an upcoming drive can be mind-blowing.” RCC also welcomes volunteers on the day of the event to put up signs, welcome donors, and ensure the process is smooth for all involved.
Looking towards the future, RCC is planning their first CPR and First Aid event. The plan is still in the works, but Cracknell said he is hopeful the event happens before the end of the Spring trimester.
“It’s a good skill to have under your belt because you never know when somebody is going to go into cardiac arrest and you could have the life-saving knowledge to give them CPR, and maybe save their life,” Darce said.
To sign-up for the RCC blood drive Tuesday, Mar. 26: RCC Blood Drive
Emily Loughridge is a third-year communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
