It's time once again for DSU Fall blood drive sponsored by the Health Information Management (HIM) Club. The spring blood drive is Monday April 20th all-day. There will also be a raffle drawing for blood donors like has been done for previous blood drives. Anyone that is able to donate blood will be eligible to win of three prizes: DSU hoodie or one of two DSU t-shirts from the bookstore.  Look for flyers around campus with information about the drive. In preparation for the upcoming drive, here is a list of myths about blood donation.

**Top 10 Reasons to Not Give Blood**

1. "I've never been asked to donate." -  Even though you may not have been invited to donate blood, please consider donating for the first time. You will feel great saving a life.

2. "I'm afraid to give blood." - Everybody has a first time, but if you take the time (and courage) to make one donation, you will wonder why you ever hesitated. There is nothing to it. If you are waiting for a loved one to need blood before you make your first donation, it will be too late.

3. "Other people must be giving enough blood." - You could count on that assumption, but don't chance it with other people's lives involved. What a tragic and useless waste it would be if someone died because people don't care enough to donate blood- if they left it for someone else to do.

4. "My blood isn't the right type." - Every type is the "right" type. Both rare and common types are needed all the time.

5. "They wouldn't want my blood because of an illness or medication I've take." - If you have doubts the staff on duty will review your medical history with you. If you like, they will check with your doctor for the final OK.

6. "I don't have any blood to spare." - If you are reasonably healthy, you have 10 to 12 pints in your body. You should be able to give regularly every two months without any problems.

7. "My blood isn't rich enough." - A sample of your blood is checked before you donate. If your blood is deficient is some way at least you'll know and be able to take action to correct it.

8. "I'm afraid of being turned down." - If you are medically deferred, that's OK. At least you tried. It may be only a temporary deferment, so try again later. The need for blood never ends!!

9. "If I donated, I'll feel weak." - The amount taken is less than one pint. Your body continually makes new blood. In fact, the volume will be replaced within a few hours. Most people just continue their usual activities after donating.

10. "I'm too busy." - We all make time for what we really want to do. If you give 20-30 minutes of your time it will mean a lifetime for the person that receives your donation. Please consider donating!!
 
Maybe today is the day to start thinking about blood donation. You  go about this one of three ways:

1. Stop by sign-up our booth on April 9th (Thurs) 11-1, April 14th (Tues) 12-1, April 15th (Wed) 11-1                 

2. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign-up for a timeslot.  Timeslots are from 8:30-11:50 and 1:20-3:30 and in (10 min time-blocks) and whole process takes between 25-30 minutes.                                                                       
3. Stop by as a walk-in on April 20th. If your not sure when you would be make time to donate or don't want to commit to a time, you are always welcome to walk-in. Walk-ins are always welcome!!

 If you're still having reservations or are curious whether or not you are eligible, stop by the sign-up booth in Marketplace. Sign-up booth workers are there to answer your questions. We have a wealth of information on blood donation. If we can't answer you question off-hand, we will the do research to get your question answered. Stop by and see us, it's what we are there for ;-).

If you have any questions or would like to sign-up for a timeslot email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .