The demand for volunteer blood donors is constant, especially in Northern California. Our local blood banks often have to bring blood in from across the country because they don’t get enough blood donations to meet our area’s needs. From cancer to accidents and a myriad of reasons in between, there is a persistent medical need for blood donations.

The tragic fires in San Bruno have escalated the local need for blood donations. You can help by making an appointment to donate at OP’s next blood drive, Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. It is the 50th OP blood drive.

• Where – American Red Cross Bloodmobile at 11th Street, between Franklin and Webster Streets – in front of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) building
• Contact – Jan Kehoe, (510) 987-9692 or Jan.Kehoe@ucop.edu

Regular donors are the cornerstones of emergency preparedness. Blood banks must be ready for emergencies like the San Bruno fires at a moment’s notice. You can keep abreast of the regular OP blood drives by reading Link and checking the OP events calendar.

Contact Jan Kehoe at (510) 987-9692 or Jan.Kehoe@ucop.edu to make your appointment to donate on Sept. 22 and get more information.

If you can’t make OP’s blood drive, contact the American Red Cross Center, Blood Centers of the Pacific or the Irwin Memorial Blood Center (415-749-6600, 270 Masonic Avenue, San Francisco) to give a donation. You can also contact your local hospital for recommendations. Visit the American Red Cross Center to find out where there is a nearby mobile blood drive.

What to Expect as a Donor

Allot about one hour for the entire process. For first-time donors, the process might take a little longer, for a health history and questions. Be sure to tell the American Red Cross staff if you’re a novice donor; they’ll take extra special care of you!

Please remember to bring a picture ID, such as your driver’s license, to your appointment.

The Proccess

You’ll sign in when you get to the bus. You will be asked to read some material about the testing and some of the eligibility issues. (Click here to review the eligibility requirements.) After that, you’ll go into a small room and get a mini physical. American Red Cross staff will take your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. They will also take some blood from your finger to make sure you have enough iron. (You can ensure that your blood has enough iron by eating red meat, spinach, broccoli, leafy greens or any other food high in iron beforehand.) Next you’ll answer some general questions about your health.

After that, they’ll take you to one of their beds for the blood draw. The draw itself usually takes from 5-15 minutes, depending on the flow of your blood. Drink a lot of water so you’re adequately hydrated. (You can start hydrating several days in advance of your draw.) After the draw, staff will ask you stay in the canteen for about 10-15 minutes to make sure you are feeling well before returning to work. You should have some juice and snacks during this time.

Click here to read a Link article with more information about the donation experience.

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