It’s no secret: there’s a critical need for blood in our region. When people don’t donate blood, the need for blood heightens. Pullman Regional Hospital is dedicated to providing opportunities for employees and the community to donate blood on a regular basis.
Nikki Nolt, Volunteer Coordinator at Pullman Regional Hospital helps organize these monthly blood drives. She notes that “if every eligible person donated blood three times a year, there would never be a blood shortage.”
So far this year, Pullman Regional Hospital has held 9 blood drives and had 169 donors donate! These monthly blood drives are making a big impact: 198 units of blood have successfully been collected by Vitalant Blood Center. Vitalant has a blood donation bus that parks at Pullman Regional Hospital during these drives, making donating convenient and commute-free for the Pullman community.
Anyone 16 years or older is eligible to donate blood. However, there are some restrictions based on travel, medications, and medical conditions that may affect ability to donate. Those who are ineligible can still help by encouraging their friends, family, and colleagues to partake in the monthly blood drives. Every drop helps- it’s cliché, but it’s true!
Before you donate blood:
-Make an appointment- with Vitalant you can easily schedule your time online.
-Eat iron-rich foods like red meats, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, raisins, and cereals
-Get a good night’s sleep before you donate so you’re well rested
-Drink extra liquids the day before and day of your donation to ensure you’re hydrated
Day of your donation:
-Eat a healthy meal, avoid fatty foods such as hamburgers, fries, or ice cream
-Wear a short sleeve shirt or one with sleeves that can easily be rolled above your elbow
-Bring a list of all medications you currently take (prescription and over-the-counter)
After you donate blood:
-Relax and enjoy a snack after you donate
-Share with family and friends the good deed you did and encourage them to do their part
-Drink lots of liquids and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after donation
If you’re interested in partaking in a future blood drive, the Vitalant Blood Bus will be at Pullman Regional Hospital on September 3 from 10:00am-3:15pm. There are many time slots still available, schedule your September donation appointment HERE.
The October blood drive is set for October 1 from 10:00am-3:q15pm. Schedule your October donation appointment HERE.
