With the ninth annual Homecoming Blood Drive coming up Sept. 23, it is important to know why giving blood is crucial.
More than 41,000 blood donations are necessary every day, and every two seconds somebody in the U.S. needs blood.
A blood transfusion is required when an incident causing a lot of blood loss has occurred, an individual needs a major surgery or an individual has a disease that affects the count of blood cells.
It only takes one pint of blood to save three lives, which is the amount of blood an individual will give if they volunteer at the upcoming blood drive.
With 17,931 students currently enrolled in the fall 2015 semester, excluding those in distance education, Appalachian State University as a whole could save over 50,000 lives.
In the past, the Homecoming Blood Drive has continually collected more blood than planned and has broken multiple records. Why should this year be any different?
As students, we not only have one of the most successful lifesaving events right at our fingertips but there are many benefits that come with donating blood.
By donating blood regularly, an individual can improve their cardiovascular health, reduce risk of cancer, burn up to 650 calories by giving a pint of blood and get a free blood analysis which can tell you your blood type.
Before you give blood, donors are instructed to eat healthy meals. When you arrive at the blood drive, there is plenty of free food supplied for you whenever you may need it.
At the 2014 Homecoming Blood Drive, brownies, chicken fingers, Hungry Howie’s pizza and more were served to those donating blood.
It does not matter which blood type you are, or if you’re only coming to save a little on your grocery budget. Every type and every drop can and does help someone in need.
Volunteers are also available whenever you need them, even if it is just to talk.
If you are not able or willing to give blood, volunteers are always needed the day before and the day of the blood drive.
Donating your blood is one of the most simple, yet most effective ways one person can save a life.
Merrill, a sophomore journalism major from Chapel Hill, is an opinion writer.