MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) — The World Health Organization deemed June 14 World Blood Donor Day to promote awareness about the importance of donating. In light of the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, may people have been rushing to give blood at donation centers across the country. Locally, the American Red Corss says even though it doesn’t typically serve hospitals in the Orlando area, it sent about 30 units of O-Negative blood to Florida to help.

Meggin Heath with American Red Cross was on News 13 Now Tuesday to talk about the upcoming News 13 blood drive Thursday, June 16 and give some donation tips. Some things to know before you donate:

  • Check to see if you’re eligible – You need to be 17 years old, (or 16 with a guardian), and weigh at least 110 pounds. Some people may also be ineligible if they recently got a tattoo, traveled out of the United States, have low blood pressure or are anemic.
  • Maintain iron levels – Be sure to eat a fairly large meal about an hour before you donate. It should be low in fat but high in iron. Things like white or wheat bread, non-fat yogurt, eggs, spinach and bananas are all good foods to choose from.
  • Squeeze a ball – When healthcare professionals prep you for your donation, they might ask you to squeeze a ball to get more blood pumping through your veins.
  • Cool down – The area where the needle went in might be bruised and need some ice within the first 24 hours to minimize swelling or discoloration. You’ll usually want to chill out and eat a snack or have some juice afterward to keep your sugar levels up and prevent you from feeling dizzy.
  • Drink plenty of fluids – Stay hydrated throughout the day, and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, because they tend to dehydrate you. You should also avoid exercise and heavy lifting that day.

If you’d like to participate in the News 13 blood drive, the event is Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Magnolia Mall in Florence and at Healthfinders in the Grand Strand Mall in Myrtle Beach. An appointment isn’t necessary, but you can make one by going to www.redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Donors will receive a free box of girl scout cookies and two tickets to a Florence Red Wolves Baseball game.