GOAL’s Community Health Program will be hosting a blood drive in the Grewcock Student Union on Monday, Feb. 20. 

The American Red Cross will host the event, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Students can sign-up at the GOAL community health program booth in the student union.

Hinson Peed, freshman and co-coordinator of the blood drive, said trained Red Cross workers will ensure the blood donor is healthy before drawing any blood. All blood donors will undergo a brief physical that will include taking blood pressure and checking iron levels.

“It is very important to know that the donor is healthy. It’s not just about the person receiving the blood. It’s also about the person giving blood,” said Peed.

Beth Potwardowski, senior and GOAL Community Health Program leader, said last semester more than 50 people donated blood. Their goal for this semester is to have 90 people donate blood. 

Students can watch the High School Musical movies as they donate blood.

Students are encouraged to wait an extra 10-15 minutes after they donate blood to eat snacks and drinks that are provided to help increase blood sugar levels. 

Potwardowski said that for those who are nervous to give blood, it is a good idea to do it with a friend. For those who are unable to donate blood because of health conditions but would still like to contribute, volunteers are needed to help run the event as well.

“There’s a lot of ways that we need help, such as helping out with checking in donors, and then also running the event itself,” Potwardowski said. “We need a lot of volunteers to make this possible and any help we can get is tremendously appreciated.”

Peed encourages people to educate themselves on blood donation eligibility requirements. Students should also make sure they eat iron-rich foods before donating their blood and stay hydrated. For donors who are scared of needles, the Red Cross workers will work hard to make sure that the process is as comfortable as possible. 

“Just be upfront about that with the Red Cross workers and they will make every accommodation possible to make sure that your blood donation is comfortable, and that you are able to make the biggest impact that you possibly can,” Peed said.