January is
Blood Donor Awareness Month
Why Donate?1,2
Give Blood
Save Lives
Become a Hero
Robert Messer, Pharm.D. Candidate
• One person can
help save the lives
of up to 3 people.
• The majority of loyal
blood donors
donate because
they “want to help
others.”
• People in need are
depending on you.
Jan 2014
Why Donating Matters1-3
Every 2 seconds someone in the US
requires blood. This includes everyone
from those in accidents, those having
surgeries, and premature infants. The
demand for blood is high and you can
help. Blood cannot be manufactured
and therefore we rely on generous
donors for blood supply. Donated
blood usually reaches a recipient within
10 days. Donating blood has an
enormous return on investment.
Donating blood only takes a little over
“The New Year
an hour of your time and it can have a
significant impact on someone’s life.
Over 1 million new people are
diagnosed with cancer each year and
many of these people will need blood
frequently during their treatment.
Brings New
Opportunity to
Help Others.”
Eligibility Requirements1
How Can You Help?1
Get Involved!
Donate blood and encourage others
to donate. Many people state they do
not donate because they “have never
been asked.”
Host a Blood Drive
Organize, provide a location, schedule
and recruit others to participate
Volunteer at a Blood Drive
Volunteers are often needed to help
accommodate donors. Volunteers
often engage in activities such as
welcoming people, providing
refreshments and overall improving the
donor’s experience.

Be Healthy – meaning
you feel well and can
perform normal activity

Be at least 17 years old

16 year olds may
donate with parent
consent form in
Alabama

Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Encourage Recipients
Encourage previous blood recipients to
share their stories with others. We often
underestimate the impact that 60
minutes of our time can have on
others. It’s nice to see first-hand how
our actions can improve the lives of
others.
The Donation Process – What to Expect1


A normal visit usually last
about an hour and 15
minutes.
4 Step Process
1. Registration
2. Medication
History

Everything is confidential
Information provided
during the process is
confidential and cannot
be released without your
consent.
3. Mini Physical
Exam
4. Donation &
Refreshments

The actual blood
donation usually last
about 10 minutes

Roughly 1 pint of blood is
collected. The average
adult has a total of 10
pints of blood.
How Should You Prepare?1
Nutrition

Maintain a healthy diet
o
Eat foods rich in iron such as red
meat, fish, poultry and spinach

Get a good night’s sleep

Eat a healthy meal before your donation
and try to avoid foods high in fat

Stay hydrated – drink 16 ounces of water
before and after your donation
Other Tips

Wear either a short sleeve shirt or a shirt that
can be easily raised above the elbow

Try to relax by listening to music or talking to
others

Avoid alcohol for the next 24 hours

Do not do any vigorous activities for the rest
of the day

Remember to bring 2 forms of ID

If you experience any dizziness after your
donation, sit or lie down immediately until
you feel better
What Happens to Your Blood Donation?3

1 pint of blood is collected

Blood is placed into sterile bag and the type is
marked

The units are transported to nearest testing and
processing lab

The blood is then processed and separated into its
components

Blood is tested to ensure safety for transfusion

Local hospitals place orders based on their needs

Blood is stored at hospital and awaits transfusion

The shelf life of blood is limited

Your 1 pint of blood may then save up to 3 lives!
January 2014 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● AUPCC (334) 844-4099
Contact Us
Auburn University
Pharmaceutical Care Center
(AUPCC)
Upcoming Blood Drives1,3
American Red Cross Events
Dec 26, 3:30 – 8:30 pm
2155 Walker Building
Auburn University, AL 36849
Phone:
Carmike Wynnsong 16
“The gift of blood is the
2111 East University Dr
gift of life.”
Auburn, AL
Jan 2, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Cross
East AL American Red
day without doing
206 26th St
(334) 844-4099
something for someone
Opelika, AL
Jan 21, 10:00 – 4:00
You can’t live a perfect
who will never be able to
Auburn University
repay you.”
225 Duncan Dr
- John Wooden
Auburn, AL
E-Mail:
Web Site:
**Please contact the American Red Cross at
334-749-9981to make an appointment for the
above dates
www.pharmacy.auburn.edu
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
[email protected]
Call 334-705-0884
505 East Thomason Circle
Opelika, AL 36801
Happy New Year!
We are committed to
improving the health
and quality of life of
the Auburn University
and the community.
We hope you and your family have a
happy new year from your friends at the
AUPCC! Every year, we at the AUPCC
strive to improve the quality of life for
both Auburn University and the
community. We hope you strongly
consider donating blood and realize the
enormous impact you can have on a
family member, friend, or complete
stranger’s life. It’s a great way to give
back to the community and best of all it’s
free! We hope you enjoyed this newsletter
and be sure to look for many to come in the
future.
References:
1. Donating blood [Internet]. Washington: The American Red Cross; c2013. n.d. [cited 2013 Dec 8]; [about 2 screens].
Available from: http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood
2. Donate blood and save lives [Internet]. St. Paul: Memorial Blood Centers; c2013. n.d. [cited 2013 Dec 8]; [about 1
screen]. Available from: http://www.mbc.org/About-Blood/About-Blood-Overview
3. Donor Resources [Internet]. Gainesville: LifeSouth Community Blood Centers; c2013. n.d. [cited 2013 Dec 8]; [about
2 screens]. Available from: http://lifesouth.org
Caption describing picture or graphic.
January 2014 ● Volume 1, Issue 1 ● AUPCC ● (344) 844-4099