Ouachita Stories

The Arkansas Blood Institute will host a blood drive at Ouachita Baptist University on Wednesday and Thursday, April 10-11, in the Tiger Den from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day.

“Students will give back to their community by saving up to three lives through blood donation,” said Bob Woodall of the Arkansas Blood Institute. “It is the quickest way to help another person because their blood donation will reach an area patient in two days and give them more tomorrows."

Blood donors must meet specific age and weight requirements: ages 16-17 must weigh at least 125 pounds, and ages 18 and older must weigh at least 110 pounds. Anyone who wants to participate should first eat a good meal, drink lots of water and bring a photo ID.

"College and high school students are the nation's No. 1 source of blood,” Woodall noted. “They are healthy, they don't take prescription drugs and they are not too busy to help others."

Donors may come to the blood drive with or without an appointment. After signing in, donors will take part in a health screening with a technician. The screening will include tests for blood pressure, temperature, heart rate and iron level. Once the donor has completed the screening, the blood drawing process will begin, and it usually takes about 10 minutes to give a pint of blood. The donor is then asked to have refreshments for about 10 minutes to rehydrate. The entire process should last about 45 minutes. After giving blood, each donor will receive a free "Feel Awesome" T-shirt as a thank you.

For more information, contact Bob Woodall at [email protected].

By Kelsey Lamb