Bates’ Practical Nurse students hold blood drive, help Puget Sound Blood Center

Blood drive gives nursing students experience—and helps the community

TACOMA, Wash. –The Puget Sound Blood Center needs more blood. The organization reports they are in need of five of the eight blood types, especially type O Negative. In an effort to help collect more of this life-saving fluid, Bates Technical College’s Practical Nurse program will host a blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Downtown Campus Auditorium.

Working alongside Puget Sound Blood Center employees, Practical Nurse students will help with check-in, provide directions, serve nourishments following blood collection, and more.

“This is an opportunity for students to participate in a very important and potentially life-saving community effort,” said Dianne Nauer, director of the Practical Nurse program. “Volunteering for community health outreach activities is very much a part of the nursing profession,” she added.

Nauer encourages those who wish to donate blood to call 253.680.7316 or go online to sign up ahead of time, though drop-ins are welcome. Donors should be at least 18 years old, with photo identification, should consume a healthy breakfast, and be well-hydrated to give blood.