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.-5 p.m. Oct. 21 and 22 in the Compton Union Building Ballroom.
The blood drive, the largest single blood-drawing event in the Inland Northwest, is sponsored by WSU student organizations, including Rho Nu Nursing Club, Arnold Air Society of the Air Force ROTC, the Academy of Students of Pharmacy, FarmHouse and Omega Psi Phi fraternities and Pullman Kiwanis Club.
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 to contribute to the region’s blood supply annually. Because of this, the INBC relies heavily on the blood collected at these semi-annual events. 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.
According to organizers, the community is currently short of O+ and A+ type blood.
Even a single patient’s usage can seriously affect the blood supply in some cases, said Kathryn Blott, INBC recruitment coordinator. Serious shortages can cause physicians to postpone important surgeries and can potentially compromise trauma care. “Because the red blood cells obtained from donors last only 42 days, we need a steady and regular collection in order to safeguard an adequate supply.”
Some eligibility criteria have changed regarding travel outside the United States and the use of some medications. Call the INBC nursing department at (800) 423-0151 to receive updated information or to ask any health-related eligibility questions.
