The

Drive

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It's that time once again for Hoffman Estates High School to host a blood drive.  This year, the event will take place on Thursday November 8, 2007 during the school day.  Student Council would greatly appreciate it if you could take time out of your schedule to donate!

For every person who donates blood, three lives will be saved.  This is the reason why it is so important for our staff and students to give blood.  In order to be eligible to donate blood, students and staff must:

- be at least 16 years old to donate (16 and 17 year olds can donate with a parent permission form)
- weigh at least 110 pounds
- be in good health, however, most medications and medical conditions will  keep you from being able to donate
- have not given blood within the past 52 days
- have not traveled to a malaria zone within a year (not out of the country within the three months)
- have not gotten a tattoo within a year
- have not gotten their ears pierced at home within a year (Professional establishments (Claire's Boutique) are excluded from this)
 

* Blood will be taken by Life Source Blood Services - Chicagoland's Blood Center
 
 

Why should I donate blood?

    * 95% of the population will need blood by age 72, yet only 5% or the eligible population donate blood.

Does it hurt to give blood?

    *Giving blood is no more painful that a slight pinch on the arm.

    *The finger prick hurts the most.

Should I eat before donating?

   * Yes, eat a substantial meal and drink extra fluids.

Is there drug testing?

   * No.  We test specifically for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV.

What can I expect at the time of donation?

   * A free mini-physical by a Life Source donor specialist; pulse, blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin (iron count) are tested.  If these tests are satisfactory you may donate.

How long does it take to give blood?

   * About 5 to 8 minutes.  The entire procedure, from registration to refreshments, take approximately 45 minutes.

Can my blood be given to anyone?

   * Yes, if you and the patient have the same blood type.

How much blood do I have?

    * Approximately 8 to 10 pints, depending on how much you weigh - blood volume equals 8% of your body weight.

How much blood do they take?

    * 450 ml, or slightly less than one pint

Can I be on different medications and still donate?

    No, you can't be on different medications.  If you have a medical question, please call 847-298-9660.  The donor specialist will go over your medical history with you.

How quickly will my body replace the blood?

    * Fluids are replaced after 24 hours.  After 4 to 6 weeks, your body has reproduced the cells and replaced lost minerals.

What happens to blood after its is donated?

    * Life Source tests the blood and separates it into 2-3 components to meet specific patient needs.  It is then distributed for patient transfusion in over 160 hospitals and home healthcare agencies in the Chicagoland area.

What are components?

    * Some of the most common components are:  Red blood cells, used to increase the oxygen carrying capacity in patients during surgery or trauma; Platelets, used to control or prevent bleeding in leukemia, cancer, surgery and trauma patiends; Plasma, used to increase the level of clotting factors in patients who are deficient.

When Can I donate again?

   * You can donate blood again in 52 days.

How will I feel after giving blood?

    * You will feel like a winner!

    *Maybe a little queasy.