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Could you please pass along important information to your listserv about an upcoming blood drive on February 13, 2012 in the Grand Ballroom in Stamp Student Union. We need this to reach students, staff, and anyone else that can donate blood. I have attached a flyer, and information about the blood drive if you can't send out a jpeg file. We appreciate your support, if you have any questions feel free to contact me. To donate:**** **1. **Link to sign up for an appointment is: ** https://www.inovabloodsaves.org/index.cfm?group=op&expand=7279&zc=20742 **2. **You can call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) to schedule your appointment**** **3. **Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the blood drive**** *When:* Monday, February 13, 2012, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.**** *Where:* Grand Ballroom in Stamp Student Union **** Donors will receive an exclusive University of Maryland Terrapins "Are You My Type?" t-shirt, a chance to win 2012-2013 men's basketball season tickets, and a Mark Turgeon autographed basketball!**** *Basic Eligibility Requirements:***** • 16 years of age must present a signed Inova Blood Donor Services consent form <http://webservices.cstv.com/wsemail/?arg=830856.LBhCZOefFl4ybEx0>; 17 years of age can donate without consent**** • Must weigh at least 110 lbs**** • Must be feeling well and healthy**** • A valid photo ID is required**** • If donating platelets, you cannot have taken any aspirin or aspirin-based products within 48 hours prior to donation**** *About Donating Blood & FAQs***** *How do I prepare for my donation?* A few days before donating, eat nutritious meals that contain iron-rich foods<http://webservices.cstv.com/wsemail/?arg=830857.LBhCZOefFl4ybEx0>. The day before donation, drink plenty of fluids and get a good night's sleep. The day of donation, drink non-caffeinated beverages such as water or juice and do not skip any meals.**** *Will it hurt when I donate?* Most donors feel a slight "pinch" or "bee sting" sensation when the needle is first inserted. Some even say that the finger prick to check their iron level hurts more than the needle stick to draw the blood. You do not feel theblood being drawn as you donate.**** *How long will it take?* The duration depends on the type of donation you plan to give. In general:**** • Whole blood donation can take up to one hour**** • Platelet donation can take 90 - 120 minutes**** • Double red cell donation can take 80 - 100 minutes The duration will also depend on how long it takes to complete the Medical History form and the number of donors waiting to be seen. For these reasons, we encourage donors to schedule appointments.**** *How will I feel after I donate?* Most donors report feeling fine after giving blood. Some of our apheresis donors even report feeling better *after * their donation! There are some instances in which donors can feel faint or weak after a donation, but once replenished with juice/water and cookies they report feeling much better! We highly encourage donors to remain in our care for at least 10-15 minutes after donation, eat the refreshments provided, refrain from strenuous activity for at least four (4) hours after donating and inform their donor specialist if they do not feel well or are experiencing pain or discomfort.**** *How much blood will you take?* Of the 10-12 pints of blood the average person's body contains, we only draw *one* unit for a whole blood donation. With apheresis donations, it will vary based on the customized donation.**** *Can I still donate if I have diabetes?* If your diabetes is under control then yes, you can donate. For most medical conditions, please refer to our Eligibility Requirements<http://webservices.cstv.com/wsemail/?arg=830856.LBhCZOefFl4ybEx0> or contact our Donor Advocate at 571-434-3628.**** *Can I get HIV/AIDS or any other diseases from donating blood?* *No, you cannot get HIV/AIDS or any other bloodborne or infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, from donating blood.* All of the equipment used for our blooddonation process is sterile, single-use and disposable. We discard all of these materials after they are used on each donor. There is no danger of contracting any infectious disease by donating blood.