In order to start the year strong and help our community, Santa Barbara Athletic Club is hosting a blood drive, and all Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club members are invited to attend and donate! Keep reading to learn more about this event and the health benefits of donating blood.
Blood Drive Details
Did you know that every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and a single donation can help save up to three lives? That’s why COAC is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. If you’re eligible, stop by the Santa Barbara Athletic Club parking lot and roll up a sleeve! Here are the details:
Where: 520 Castillo Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When: January 11th, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
How: Sign up to give here using the sponsor code: SBAthleticClub
The Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood
Blood donation isn’t the first thing that pops into people’s minds when it comes to healthy living, but it actually has some wellness benefits. For example, every donation requires a free health screening to check your blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, pulse, and temperature. Furthermore, all blood is tested to ensure it’s safe for patients. This test detects hepatitis B and C, HIV, the West Nile virus, syphilis, and Trypanosoma cruzi.
Aside from the health benefits, donating blood has a far-reaching societal impact. Every day, blood donations go towards helping cancer patients, burn victims, sickle cell patients, trauma patients, and those with chronic diseases. Blood cannot be manufactured, so giving your own is critical for those in need
To have the smoothest donation experience, wear short sleeves, hydrate, and enjoy a healthy meal prior to donating. Blood donors need to be at least 110 lbs, in good health, and over the age of 17. Afterward, track your donation via the Red Cross’s Blood Donor app, and watch your good deed at work!
Give the Gift of Blood With COAC
While the health benefits of donating blood are reason enough to participate, the real value is the potential lives donation saves along the way. National blood shortages take weeks to rebound, so having a robust supply on hand is crucial. Contact Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club to learn more about this event. We can’t wait to see you there!