By Rhys Payne
Shepeard Community Blood Center is a local blood bank that gives back to the community it’s a part of. Shepeard is a non-profit organization that is the primary supplier of blood and platelets to Augusta University Health Sciences Campus. However, students aren’t frequenting Shepeard as much as the center needs them to.In 2017, Shepeard collected 29,000 blood units to be distributed to 20 hospitals and 30 counties. Only 4,000 of those were donated by college-aged students.Blood and platelet donations are an invaluable resource that only the community can provide. Whole blood donations are used for transfusions, and one donation can stretch to save three lives. Platelet donations are a greater need and can be used for cancer patients and burn victims to aid blood clotting, which prevents excessive bleeding when injured.To donate blood, you only need to be 110 pounds and in generally good health. When you go in to donate, your hemoglobin and iron levels will be tested to ensure it is safe for you to donate. However, if you have had a tattoo or piercing done in the last twelve months you are not eligible to donate. Also, if you are on antibiotics for any reason you are not eligible to donate. These rules are put in place by the FDA to ensure the quality and content of all blood and platelet donations.Once you donate, you can download the Shepeard Community Blood Center app which lets you input your health data as well as log all your donations. If you’re an O negative or platelet donator, you can earn reward points to be redeemed in Shepeard’s rewards store. They have gift cards and T-shirts.Shepeard is also offering internships for students and can award volunteer hours for donations. Students that donate three times in an academic year can earn a red cord for their graduation.Currently, Shepeard has three centers located in Augusta, Evans and Aiken. Shepeard plans to have a mobile donation station at August University’s Day of Service on Saturday, Nov. 3. Ashley Whitaker, the director of Community Resources at Shepeard, is trying to do more.“We are working with AU right now to try to help a little bit with that and see if we can get out on campus a little bit more,” Whitaker said.A single donation can do a lot of good. You can schedule an appointment or visit the center at 1533 Wrightsboro Road Augusta, GA 30904.Link:Shepeard Community Blood Center Contact Rhys Payne at empayne@augusta.edu