Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, October 20, 2025
Amanda Purser Managing Editor
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Cameron Collegian will host an Our Blood Institute (OBI) blood drive, in the McCasland Ballroom of the McMahon Centennial Complex (MCC).
Who is eligible to donate blood? In general, anyone aged 17, weighing at least 125 pounds, or those over 18-years-old and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate. If you have recently gotten a tattoo or piercing you are still eligible to donate, as long as it was performed at a licensed facility. You can give whole blood every 56 days, so those who successfully donated in the last CU drive, hosted by the Wellness Center on Aug. 25 are able to donate in this drive, as it will be 65 days later. Don’t worry, you do not need to know your blood type, but if you do know and you happen to be O positive or O negative, your blood is vitally important, and you are highly encouraged to donate as often as possible. For up-to-date information and specific questions regarding many medical conditions and possible deferrals, please visit obi.org.
Who is eligible to donate platelets? Similarly to blood donation, the ideal platelet donor should be healthy, 18 years or older, and weigh at least 110 pounds. In addition, those who have never been pregnant nor taken aspirin within 48 hours of platelet retrieval are preferred. Also, blood types of A positive, B positive, AB positive or AB negative are perfect candidates.
What are the procedures that a donor can expect? There is a qualification process that involves a brief medical screening and finger prick to test your hemoglobin levels, which will ensure you meet all requirements and that your iron levels are within a
healthy range to support a donation. When you are deemed eligible, you will be sent to one of the skilled phlebotomists to draw your blood or prepare you for your platelet retrieval. The entire process from screening to complete donation takes about 20 minutes for whole blood — platelets take a bit longer, sometimes up to one hour. If you are deferred for any reason, you may be eligible to donate as soon as one day later. Deferrals should follow-up with the Lawton Donor Center (Call: 580-350-6100 or visit: 211 SW A. Ave.) for a future appointment and your next donation opportunity or visit the OBI website to find another drive near you.
Why should I donate blood? Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and there is currently no medical substitute for this life-saving product. More than 1,200 donations are needed daily to support local hospitals. One donation (one pint) can save up to three lives, and only about ten percent of eligible donors actively give blood, so the need is always present.
What will my blood be used for? This drive will be fully set-up to support whole blood or platelet donations. Each of those successful donations will help support local hospitals and medical facilities to care for patients in need. The medical requirements range from cancer treatment, blood loss during childbirth or surgical complications, to traumas like car accidents or gunshot wounds, to name a few.
Where will my blood go? After rigorous testing to ensure your blood is safe and healthy, it will be promptly transported to one of the 244 local hospitals and medical facilities that OBI supports, across Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.
What will I get for my donation? Aside from saving lives, contributing to your community and a rewarding sense of pride from your selfless gesture, successful donors also receive free
Volume 113 Issue 6
goodies. The Collegian drive will feature a special limited-edition “Stranger Veins” T-Shirt and a ticket to the Trail of Fear Scream Park. Every donor is treated to free snacks and drinks in the canteen area while they are observed for a few minutes after, to ensure they aren’t experiencing any symptoms like being light-headed or dizzy.
What does my blood type represent? Each person's blood type is determined by the unique combination of antigens and Rh factors contained within your blood. Antigens are proteins or sugars that help your immune system recognize your own cells-mainly defined as “A” or “B.” Rh factors are another protein from your red blood cells, when present they make your type positive, if Rh factors aren’t present your type is negative. These differences are typically arranged into one of eight primary blood types and understanding yours is important. Many have heard that O positive is the most common blood type, found in nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population. It is recommended that these personnel give whole blood as often as possible (every 56 days) and be sure to ask about the option of “power red” donation when available to double your donation potential, and provide your body with rehydration in the process. While O negative blood is rarer, this incredibly versatile type is known as the “universal donor” since it can be transfused to any patient, regardless of their own blood type. For this reason, keeping ample supply available is crucial to life-saving efforts and O neg. donors are highly encouraged. Please make an appointment to ensure your time slot is reserved, to receive reminders and get access to Donor Express which will expedite your process. Appointments can be made by scanning the QR code here! We hope to CU at this blood drive, and the Collegian looks forward to setting new goals and breaking donor records with the support of each Aggie available and willing to help. For more information, contact Amanda Purser at ap124198@cameron.edu.
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