By Ayana Brodeur-Edmonds | Observer Contributor
The Health Services Department partnered with the American Red Cross recently to hold a donation event called the Bloodmobile. At this event, people donated their blood to the American Red Cross either by appointment or as a walk-in. MWCC nursing student, military veteran and mother, Erin Jones, recently donated her blood at this event and shared her experience. Jones said that the wait time for a walk-in is very quick, and it only took her ten minutes to get in. Since she gives blood quickly, Jones finished her walk-in appointment in only five minutes and twenty seconds. Everybody donates at their own pace, though.
To keep the blood flowing while you are donating, Jones said that the staff makes you squeeze a stress ball every ten seconds. Jones said the most impressive part of her experience was that the technician was fantastic and they had a great conversation. Jones has been donating blood since she was sixteen years old, but she had not given blood for the last four years since she had her first child. She described that having blood drawn is not something to be afraid of, and she offered advice for anybody who has yet to donate blood. According to Jones, one technique to lessen fears is to bring a friend. because you can talk to them to distract yourself from the process. You should also make sure that you are hydrated and have eaten enough, and if you are feeling sick or woozy at all, you should not even attempt to donate on that day.
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