Weber State Hosts Spring Blood Drive
OGDEN, Utah – The Weber State University Student Association Service Team has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a spring blood drive on Feb. 8–10 in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As a COVID-19 safety precaution, participants are required to schedule an appointment to donate before arriving at the donation center. To register, visit redcrossblood.org and use the code “bleedpurple.”
“Many fellow students I have talked with have wanted to do something for our community to help during these difficult times but have been at a loss as to how,” said Kylee Strate, WSUSA service team American Red Cross chair. “Donating blood is the answer to that. Wildcats bleed purple, and we can make a difference in the community.”
The event is open to all, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Blood donations will also be screened for COVID-19 antibodies. A donor who has fully recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their blood that can attack the virus. Since this “convalescent plasma” is being evaluated as a possible treatment for COVID-19, donations could help save the lives of patients battling this disease.
Blood is an essential resource used for cancer treatments, surgeries and other serious medical issues. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, so donations are constantly needed.
“Hosting blood drives on campus highlights the legacies students can create as blood donors,” said Shana Loomis, American Red Cross of Northern Utah Blood Services manager. “A campus blood drive brings meaningful leadership and service opportunities to students while helping deliver lifesaving services and blood products to hospital patients in need.”
The event will adhere to the Red Cross standards of safety and infection control. To ensure the health of staff and donors, they have established a number of precautions:
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Checking temperatures of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy.
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Providing hand sanitizer for use before entering the drives, as well as throughout the donation process.
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Requiring social distancing between donors in entry and donation areas.
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Ensuring face masks or coverings are worn by both staff and donors.
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Disinfecting surfaces, equipment and donor-touched areas routinely.
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Wearing gloves and changing gloves often.
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Using sterile collection sets and an aseptic scrub for every donation.
Eligible individuals are urged to make an appointment to donate blood now to help patients in need by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu