Barton Community College will host a blood drive from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Kirkman Practice Gym. Donors will receive a $10 Amazon gift card from the American Red Cross and be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards.

Donors are encouraged to set an appointment using the American Red Cross app, which is available on Google Play or the Apple Store, or visit redcross.org. Donors can also fill out a rapid pass application via the app or website on the day of donation prior to their arrival at the donation location, which can reduce the time they spend at the blood drive by up to 15 minutes. Walk-ins will still be accepted, but the new system is designed to make the process more streamlined.

Information about blood donation from the American Red Cross:

• On any given day, an average of 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the United States.

• An individual suffering from massive blood loss may require transfusions of up to 100 pints of red blood cells.

• A unit of blood, once obtained, has to be transfused in 42 days. If not, it has to be discarded.

• The average adult body contains 10-12 pints (units) of blood.

• There is no substitute for human blood. It cannot be manufactured.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1.7 million people will be diagnosed with cancer annually. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

How to prepare for giving blood:

• The day prior, begin drinking extra fluids, especially water with electrolyte supplements. Good hydration will make the process of giving blood easy.

• Eat a good breakfast or lunch prior to giving blood. Good hydration and good nutrition will help prevent lightheadedness and weakness associated with giving blood.

• Eat iron-rich foods to help provide good hemoglobin. Red meat, oysters, clams, soybeans, dried beans, peas, lentils, whole grain cereals and bread, prunes, dried fruit, and liver, are excellent sources of iron.

• Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, so eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits or juices, kiwi, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, cabbage, spinach, and leafy greens like turnips and collard greens.

A few of the reasons you may not be able to give blood:

• Low blood pressure.

• High blood pressure.

• Fever, cough, or other acute cold symptoms.

• On antibiotics for an infection.

Body piercing: eligible if under sterile conditions. If questionable, required to wait 12 months.

• Pregnancy.

• A tattoo not applied at a state-regulated facility requires a 12-month wait.

• Travel outside the US in countries with a high risk of malaria.

For more information, contact Barton Campus Nurse Jenni Bauer, at bauerj@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9233.