By By Adrienne McKenzie
Escambia Academy’s Student Government Association will give Atmore area residents the opportunity to give the “gift of life” by hosting a blood drive Friday afternoon.
The academy’s SGA, sponsored by Laurie Moore and Bobbi Sasser, has hosted a blood drive for many years. According to Moore, the school’s students are especially happy about the drive this year.
Moore said there is a simple reason why EA students host the annual blood drive.
Due to the holidays, people may not have had as much time to donate blood as they normally would. Giving blood is a great way to help save a life.
According to American Red Cross literature, every two seconds someone needs blood and each unit of blood can help as many as three individuals. Also one in 10 people that enter a hospital will at some point need blood administered to them.
The Red Cross is responsible for providing about a half of the nation’s blood.
In order to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.
Giving blood will not change your daily routine. However, the Red Cross suggests getting a good night’s sleep, eating a well-balanced meal and drinking a lot of fluids 48 hours prior to donating.
Donating blood is simple. The first step is registering. A picture ID or donor card must be present in order to register. The second step is a mini-physical and health history. Pulse, temperature, blood pressure and iron are checked in order to make certain the donor is healthy enough to give blood. The third step is donating. The actual time in the donation chair is anywhere from six to 12 minutes. And the final step is a treat. The Red Cross will provide a snack and juice for donating.
Individuals who donate will also be given a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt and a matching hat.
The drive will be held Friday from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the academy’s high school library.