Sitka Blood Drive
Dear Editor: Hello, Sitkans. Thanks for making 2016’s Sitka Blood Drive a great success.
Blood Bank of Alaska will be conducting a blood drive in Sitka from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 25, 26 and 27 at Centennial Hall in meeting room 1.
To schedule an appointment, call (307) 222-5630 or schedule online at bloodbankofalaska.org. You can be an everyday hero by donating blood and encouraging others to also donate. There are fewer than 2 percent of Alaska’s eligible donors giving blood. With no substitute for human blood, the need for donations is great recent natural disaster and tragedies impacting U.S. citizens create monumental need for your blood donation to help Blood Bank of Alaska’s mission to provide blood products to 21 Alaska hospitals (including Sitka and Mt. Edgecumbe), medical centers and military bases. Each pint of blood has the potential to save three lives.
Some eligibility requirements to donate include: be at least 16 years of age; weigh at least 113 pounds; and 16- and 17-year-olds must bring a signed parental/guardian form to their donation appointment. Parental consent forms are available at Sitka High School, Pacific High School and SEER school offices. Donors over the age of 74 years must bring a written approval from their physician or doctor, and donors age 80 or over must also have approval from the Blood Bank of Alaska medical director, be well and healthy and bring a photo ID.
Conditions preventing blood donation include,but are not limited to, history of hepatitis, AIDS, IV drug use not prescribed by a physician, Zika virus, or travel to Zika-prone countries, or not feeling well for any reason.
Persons who have diabetes, tattoos or piercings, take bloo pressure medications, or have had cancer, may still be able to donate. Check your eligibility by calling (907)222-5630, or contacting bloodbankofalaska.org to inquire.
Tips for a successful donation include: eat a hearty, well-balanced meal and drink plenty of fluids 24 hours prior to your appointment. Avoid caffeine and smoking (which construct blood vessels) at least an hour prior to donation. Be sure to bring any necessary consent forms/approved documents, and your photo ID.
The donation process typically takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes: a medical history questionnaire; a mini-physical (temperature, blood pressure, finger stick hematocrit check, and possibly weight); then the blood donation followed by a 15-minute observation time at the cafe/canteen where you will be treated to snacks and beverage to restore your nutrition and hydration. You will be advised to eat hearty meals, keep well hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours following donation.
Those who are unable, or choose not to donate blood, can support the blood drive by offering to help as observers/servers, or supply the cafe/canteen with cookies, bars, snacks, fruit trays, veggie trays, meat and cheese trays or beverages.
Contact Blood Bank of Alaska at 907-222-5630 to schedule your appointment. Call Jean at 608-604-4592 to donate time or food items.
Jean Frank, Sitka
Municipal Election
Dear Editor: Thank you for voting on Oct. 3. Hope to have more voter participation next election cycle.
Benjamin Miyasato, Sitka
