American Red Cross Organizes Blood Drive

On Oct. 1, the American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Civic Center in Grant County, where I went through the process of donating blood.

When I entered the south room of the Civic Center, Community Volunteer Leader Barb Sullins greeted me and helped me register, including providing my driver's license and other personal information. She then directed me to Logan Babcock, who assisted with donor screening in a private booth.

The screening included medical testing, including a hemoglobin check, blood pressure, and heart rate, along with questions about infectious disease risks, travel history, and medications.

After being cleared to donate, I went to a table where phlebotomist Cecilia Vazquez explained the procedure and prepared me for the blood draw. She tied a band around my upper arm to increase blood flow and instructed me to squeeze a ball at five-second intervals. There was a quick pinch as the needle went in, followed by several minutes of squeezing the ball while the blood was collected.

I experienced some lightheadedness during the donation, so I was able to recline farther back. Afterward, Vazquez gave me a juice box and I was directed to the recovery tables, where Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital volunteers Vana Campbell and Jeryl Smith assisted donors. Smith helped me up as I walked to the tables, which were stocked with food and drinks, including pizza, cookies, and water.

After recovering, I signed out with Sullins.

As a donor, the process was straightforward. Staff members guided me through each step, from registration and screening to the donation and recovery.

The drive collected 34 blood products, including nine Power Red products from five productive procedures and 25 whole blood products. Three donors were deferred, and one whole blood product was deemed insufficient.

Randle said residents can stay informed about upcoming blood drives by downloading the Red Cross app or following the Grant County Health Department on Facebook. The next blood drive in Grant County is scheduled for Jan. 7.