Story and photo by Barbara Boyd

GROSSMONT COLLEGE  — Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 7,  are days  to donate blood on campus. In the quad is the San Diego Blood Bank recreational vehicle.  As a regular donor of blood, I highly recommend students  try and donate blood if they can.

The process is fairly easy: a couple yes or no questions, a little reading to make sure you know what you are doing, and then they test your blood to see if you have a high enough blood count.

My experience on Tuesday was pleasing. The nurses were polite.  They care for you from the moment you enter to the point when you leave.

For all students who are like me and hate needles, well, the needle does look  huge. What I like to do is divert my attention while they are putting in the needle. You can also ask if they would cover the needle so you won’t have to look at it.

After you give blood they sit you down, give you juice and snacks, and then you are off to your next class. If you have only a 15-minute break, you can go fill out the questions, take the test,  and then wait until after your class to donate.  There is no need to worry about missing your class.

The mobile blood bank was to remain  in the Quad till 6 p.m. on Tuesday, and was to return Wednesday  from 10 a.m.to 3: p.m.

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Boyd is a student in Media comm. 132; contact her at [email protected]