Concordia University Wisconsin is answering the urgent call for blood from the American Red Cross by hosting a two-day blood drive in the Albrecht Terrace Room on the university’s main campus, 12800 N. Lake Shore Drive, on January 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
According to Steve Taylor, vice president of student life, “Service is a key value at Concordia. Our students are driven to make an impact in the world and are often compelled to action when they believe they can help others.” He goes on to explain that the students were especially moved by the families still suffering from the recent floods and fires across the country and decided a blood drive would be the most direct way they could help.
That drive led CUW students to partner with the American Red Cross because their donations could go directly to the areas most affected.
Students are hosting the blood drive in conjunction with the Concordia Invitational Tournament (CIT) taking place that same weekend. In its 67th consecutive year, CIT is one of the oldest collegiate basketball tournaments in the country. Fans and athletes from CUW, Concordia University Ann Arbor, Concordia University Chicago, and Concordia University Nebraska will fill the R. John Buuck Field House with nonstop action throughout the weekend.
The local community is encouraged to participate in the blood drive. Walk-ins are welcomed, but appointments are preferred. Visit www.redcrossblood.org and search sponsor code CUW to register. Call 1-800-733-2767 (RED CROSS) for more information.
Blood 101
- Every 2 seconds, someone needs blood (that’s roughly 36,000 units per day or about 21 million units per year).
- The average transfusion is 3 units, but a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units.
- Blood can’t be manufactured and can only come from volunteer donors.
- Although 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood at any given time, less than 10% of that eligible population actually does each year.
Donor Tips
- Giving blood takes about 45 – 60 minutes total – includes registration, mini-physical, draw, and time spent in the refreshment area.
- One unit is one pint of blood, and people typically have between 10 – 12 pints in their bloodstream at any given time. It’s something we can all spare and will replace quickly.
- The body will begin to make new blood immediately…some donors replenish in a few hours, and some in a few weeks.
- We check your iron stores before the donation to make sure it is a healthy process for you! It helps to eat a lot of meat & green veggies the week before your donation to make sure your counts are high. Meat-sourced iron absorbs quicker than plant-sourced iron, but getting vitamin C will help your body to absorb iron. You can also check with your doctor about taking multivitamins. For a full list of iron-rich foods, click here.
- Be sure to bring a photo ID to the blood drive.
- There are always free cookies at the end of the blood drive!
“Service is a key value at Concordia."
— Lisa Liljegren is vice president of marketing and strategic communications.
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