PULLMAN, Wash. — The Inland Northwest Blood Center will be on the Washington State University campus for a student-sponsored blood drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 24-25 in the Compton Union Building Ballroom.
The drive also hosts the Greek Challenge and Residence Hall Rivalry for the house and hall with the greatest percentage of member participation. Winning groups will be awarded trophies for their school and community involvement.
WSU typically brings in about 600 donors each year to contribute to the region’s blood supply, but last fall’s WSU blood-drawing broke INBC’s blood drive records. The two-day total of 453 donors made it the biggest blood drive the Inland Northwest since 1986.
“Because of this amazing support and success, INBC relies very heavily on the blood collected at WSU’s Blood Drives,” said Kathryn Blott, INBC recruitment coordinator. INBC supplies all Spokane area hospitals in northern Idaho and eastern Washington (more than 30 regional medical facilities) and consequently, must bring in at least 150 donors a day to meet demand. In order to supply the Inland Northwest with all necessary blood products, dedicated and regular donors are needed, she said.
The blood drive, the largest single blood-drawing event in the Inland Northwest, is sponsored by the Rho Nu Nursing Club, the Academy of Students of Pharmacy, the Arnold Air Society of the Air Force ROTC, FarmHouse and Omega Psi Phi fraternities and the Pullman Kiwanis Club.
Some eligibility criteria have changed with regard to travel outside the United States and the use of some medications. Donors can call the INBC nursing department at (800) 423-0151 to receive current information or to ask any health-related eligibility questions. Donors are now required to present a photo ID or a current INBC donor card upon registration.
