Wilkes University in conjunction with the Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Henry Student Center Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6.
The need for blood becomes critical at this time of year because donations drop off during the holidays and this continues into the winter months even though winter car accidents increase the demand.
The number of blood units the Wilkes University receives at this time of the year usually decreases drastically from about 100 units early in the school year to about 30 units in the winter, according to the Red Cross. Typically in the U.S., about 41,000 units of blood are necessary each day.
All blood donors need to bring a driver’s license along with two other forms of ID preferably a donor’s card if they have one. Donors should also drink at least 16 ounces of water and eat a healthy meal prior to the donation.
The Red Cross recommends adequate sleep the night before the donation as well as eating foods such as lean red meat, beans and poultry to bolster the iron level before the donation will add to the donor’s strength.
The American Red Cross will give all participants a free T-shirt, as well as serving refreshments, post donation.
Contact Megan Valkenburg via email at [email protected] or call 570-408-5905 with any questions.