For people used to seeing sporting events at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center, today might be a change of pace.
Today’s Leap for Life blood drive is the result of a team up between the American Red Cross and the Forever Broadcasting Company, the operators of the Froggy 98 and Froggy 101 radio stations, according to the event’s press release.
Blood inventories reach an annual low during the summer and need replenishing to keep up with demands, said Wendi Keeler, the donor resources field representative for Penn State.
“It’s really difficult to keep our blood inventories up in the summer,” Keeler said.
About 30 percent of donated blood comes from high school and college donors, but during the summer those two groups are typically not in session, Keeler said.
Blood is being taken for the Greater Alleghenies Region, which extends from Kentucky and Virginia up to Pennsylvania, according to the Leap for Life press release.
Everyone who donates will be entered into a donor appreciation drawing to win prizes, Keeler said. Prizes include tickets to upcoming shows at the BJC and magazines, photographs and CDs signed by various country music artists. Gift cards will also be given away as prizes.
Although all types of blood are needed, there is a critical need for blood types A negative, B negative and O negative, Keeler said.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health and weigh more than 110 pounds to be eligible.
“About 50 percent of our nation is eligible to donate,” said Keeler. “But only 5 percent do.”
Those with questions about eligibility should visit redcrossblood.org, Keeler said.
Keeler recommends all prospective donors eat well and drink plenty of fluids before donating.
“If you’re well hydrated and have eaten well, it makes the donation go much better,” Keeler said.
The goal for the drive is about 45 productive units of blood, said Marianne Spampinato, regional communications manager for the Red Cross.
“We normally have to get at least 10 or 20 percent above the goal,” Spampinato said. About 13 to 14 percent of people will be unable to donate due to various, mostly temporary, reasons. Flu and cold symptoms are a common reason for being unable to donate, said Spampinato.
The drive is set to be held today at the BJC from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Gate B.