Annual Blood Drive

The University of Iowa Emergency Medical Services Student Interest Organizationworks together with the DeGowin Blood Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics put on a blood drive each academic year.The event takes place in the new CRWC. Blood donation is a very easy way to help save a life. One unit of blood can help save 3 lives! Blood can be separated into three separate components for transfusion, red cells, plasma and platelets. Some people, such as those stricken with sickle cell anemia might require a blood transfusion once per month, if the person lived to be 70 years old, that’s over 800 transfusions! Donating blood takes about 45 minutes and there are lots of things to learn while you’re there! Did you know that there is a common belief in Japan that different blood types are predictive of one’s personality, temperament and even compatibility with other blood types; it’s a similar concept to astrology! At the end of donating (or attempting to donate) you are offered a choice of refreshments and snacks at the canteen! So we encourage you to sign up to donate and help save lives!