UAB hosting blood drive Jan. 28-31

UAB will collaborate with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. Experts encourage the public to donate if able.    

Stream blood drive Those who are considering donating blood may be curious about what to expect. Experts at UAB Hospital answer five common questions about blood donation on uab.edu/news. The need for blood supplies is constant across the United States. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive next week. The blood drive will be held Jan. 28-31 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day in the North Pavilion Atrium. Donors will receive a $15 e-gift card and a Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

UAB is one of the largest users nationally of blood supplied by the Red Cross. Donors can give blood up to six times a year, every eight weeks. The process takes about 45 minutes. The Red Cross and UAB recommend donors eat iron-rich foods and hydrate before giving blood.

Blood products are used during surgery, transplantation, trauma care, difficult pregnancies and cancer treatment. Sometimes, a single patient may require as many as 100 units.

Donors can learn more and make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org. Donors can use the sponsor code UABNP. This blood drive has volunteer opportunities available; click here to get involved.