UAB Hospital hosting blood drive

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — UAB Hospital is hosting a blood drive that started on Tuesday, Sept. 24 and is lasting until Friday. The drive will take place from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. each day.

While supplies last, donors can receive a Red Cross t-shirt and a $15 gift card to a merchant of their choice while supplies last.

Those interested in donating blood can register here .

Katayoun Fomani, M.D., medical director of the UAB Blood Bank, explained the importance of donating blood.

“We currently do not have a replacement for human blood,” Fomani said. “That is why it is so important for people to donate blood, so we can use it to treat our patients.”

Before donating blood, an individual should maintain a diet high in iron and stay hydrated.

Fomani explained that the process of donating blood is simple.

“In fact, the donation centers have taken many steps to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible as they understand that people are bust,” Fomani said.

The donation process takes about eight to ten minutes.

“I would encourage our donors to donate, because the need is constant,” Fomani said. “The impact on the community is huge as there are many patients who depend on these donations for the lifesaving care they need.”

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