Nervous about your first time donating blood? Don't worry?so is Katherine Gribble '09.
Although Gribble is a long-time member of the Blood Drive Committee, this February will mark the first time she actually gives blood herself.
The Blood Drive Committee hopes that many new donors will come out to this spring's blood drive, scheduled for February 6 and 7.
While this blood drive is not the first to take place over two days, the Committee hopes that extra time will allow more people to contribute blood.
According to the American Red Cross, the demand for blood transfusions is growing faster than donations, with someone needing blood every two seconds in the United States.
With this ever increasing need, the Blood Drive Committee is making great efforts to ensure increased visibility and participation.
This time, the blood drive will take place in Smith Union. While the Blood Drive Committee has addressed the privacy issues associated with having the drive in such a public place, the committee hopes that the change in location will bring more people out to donate.
"It is so easy to ignore the [blood] drives when they are up in the gym," said Blood Drive Committee leader, Laura Belden, '08.
The change in location will also be coupled with increased educational information available to donors and passersby. Posters will be hung around the Union with facts about the donation process and need next week.
While the actual drive is taking place, informational videos provided by the Red Cross will be showing.
In its final planning meeting, the group discussed the barriers that prevent people from donating.
"Fear," said Belden, "stops a lot of people."
In order to assist nervous donors, experienced volunteers will be on hand to aid those donors who are more apprehensive by walking them through as much of the process as possible.
While some aspects of the blood donating process are confidential, these veteran volunteers will be on hand for the actual blood donation to give support to those who are uneasy. The Blood Drive Committee hopes that this person-to-person contact will reassure nervous donors that they are okay and someone is there with them.
The Blood Drive Committee is also working to provide information to encourage its most eligible but non-donor demographic, athletes. By providing information on the actual restraints imposed by blood donation, the group hopes that athletes will not be deterred by rumors and misinformation that circulate regarding giving blood.
"People need to know that you can do things after you give blood," said Belden.
"And that giving blood on Wednesday is most likely not going to affect your performance on Saturday," added Nick Sanchez '09, another member of the Blood Drive Committee.
The Blood Drive Committee urges even those who cannot donate blood to volunteer. There are many opportunities for those looking to donate their time, rather than their blood.
The blood drive will be taking place in Smith Union from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on February 6 and 7.