Molly O’Keefe/Winonan

Winona State University’s Student Senate and the American Red Cross are teaming up to give students, faculty and alumni the opportunity to participate in their We Challenge “U” Blood Drive this February.

The blood drive will take place in the East Hall of Kryzko Commons from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 5-7. All donors will receive a We Challenge “U” T-shirt.

Sue Gonsior, the communications program manager for the American Red Cross, said any drop in donations can cause a shortage in the Red Cross’s blood supply.

“There is a drop in blood donations during the winter because of weather and seasonal illnesses,” she said.

During times of crisis and natural disasters, like Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, the Red Cross receives an impressive number of donations.

However, without these tragedies reminding people of the need to help there is a decrease in donations.

Gonsior said college students are an important part of the donating public. “High school and college age students account for 20 percent of the Red Cross’s donations.”

An individual can donate every 56 days or up to six times a year, which is why the Winona State Student Senate typically hosts three blood drives each school year.

Student blood drive coordinator Timothy Comes said, “It’s important to donate because it is something easy and simple to do, it’s also a way to give back to your community.”

Gonsior said, “These donations go to help trauma patients, accident victims and patients with chronic illnesses that need regular transfusions during their treatments.”

Although the donating process is easy according to Gonsior, many people are still hesitant to donate for various reasons.

“People who are nervous are encouraged to bring a friend along or their music to make them more comfortable with the process,” Gonsior said. “Just think about the great outcome, saving lives. It is only an hour and it does not cost anything.”

Another reason that some people are unable to donate is because of recent illness or an iron deficiency. Before a person donates, the American Red Cross asks that all donors make sure that they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.

The Red Cross also suggests getting a good night’s sleep, eating breakfast the day of the donation, eating iron-enriched foods and drinking plenty of water in preparation for donating.

Gonsior said she has been pleased with the turnout at Winona State in the past. She said, “Winona is a great school.”

Contact Molly at
[email protected]