Every year, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) provides all Sinclair students with the opportunity to generously give
blood to local hospitals by sponsoring the Blood Drive. This event will be held on the Dayton campus in
the upper library loggia area on Thursday, Feb. 2, from noon – 4 p.m. PTK volunteers will be there to
help give out snacks to all donors. Furthermore, donors will receive the exclusive GIVE BLOOD long-
sleeved, hoodie t-shirt as a sign of heartfelt thanks.
Why is giving blood important? To put it simply: giving blood saves lives! To list just a few ways that
donating blood is so important is that is used for cancer patients, people who experience traumatic
injuries, those who develop anemia and blood disorders, for women who experience childbirth
complications, and for patients who go through major surgeries.
What happens when you give blood? In total, the blood giving process is quite simple and takes about
30 minutes. The phlebotomist professionals are trained to use sanitary and safe techniques when
drawing blood from donors.
Related article: Photos: Nu Pi sponsors blood drive in Dayton campus library
Before you donate, they will ask you a list of medical history questions concerning your current health, lifestyle and medications taken so that they can ensure absolutely no harm is done to the donor as the process takes place. It is important to answer these questions truthfully knowing that the information will remain confidential. As a donor, you will be made as comfortable as possible. Once the area inside your elbow has been sanitized, the phlebotomist will insert a sterile needle into the vein. It takes about 10 minutes to fill the single, pint sized bag of life-giving blood. After you are done, you will be given a snack and drink refreshments to replenish the sugars, minerals and water lost.
You will be able to resume your normal activities after taking the refreshments and resting for about 10 or 15 minutes. For the remainder of the day, make sure you drink enough water and avoid strenuous activities. After a full 24 hours, you should be back in full swing, and you will be able to know that your generous donation will save lives!
Heaven Diastello
Staff Reporter