SUNYIT will host an American Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, February 5, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center multipurpose room. Advance appointments to donate can be made by calling 315-792-7530 or by emailing lisa.capuana@sunypoly.edu .

When donating whole blood, a little less than one pint is taken; the procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes. After donation, the blood is tested for blood type and various blood-borne diseases. Then it can be used as whole blood for one patient or, after separation into components, to help several patients. Blood donations allow life supporting treatments to be given to accident victims, surgical patients, and hemophiliacs.

The Red Cross says nine out of 10 Americans will need blood during their lifetime, and one of every 10 hospital patients requires a transfusion. Guidelines set by federal, state and local health agencies state that donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old.