Blood drive draws on student support
Bita Sonouni
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: News
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At this event, volunteers from the Industry Methodist Church in Industry, Ill. passed out food and T-shirts and made homemade cupcakes for the donors. Domino's also donated pizza for the blood drive.
Approximately 45 people donated blood at the event, including Alison Hanson, a sophomore criminal justice major.
"I started to give blood because I was trying to conquer my fear of needles. Now I donate blood to help others," Hanson said. "It is really a small sacrifice for making such a huge difference in another person's life."
According to the Red Cross Web site, only 38 percent of the population is qualified to give blood, and an even lower percentage of that population is proactive in actually donating.
Jerry McCann has worked as a staff member for the American Red Cross for two years. Prior to working for the Red Cross, he worked at a plasma center and said he loves his experience at the blood drive.
According to McCann, people can donate whole blood every six weeks, or every 56 days. People are eligible to donate two units of red blood cells three times a year, or every 112 days.
Beth Jacobs, the team leader of the Red Cross staff at the event, explained the importance of hydration before donating blood.
"When you come to donate, be well hydrated, eat well, and make sure you feel healthy prior to coming in," she said.
"Donating blood is something I just like to do, if I am eligible to donate," said Allison McGann, a junior math education major. "This will be the 21st time. It has become a hobby of mine."
Barbara Houck has volunteered with the Red Cross since 1978. She helps with six blood drives held on campus during the school year.
"When I first started, Alpha Phi Omega completely sponsored the event," she said. "At that time only men were allowed to donate. They were affiliated with the Boy Scouts and they used to read stories to the individuals donating to help them relax."
In her years volunteering, Houck has seen a lot of people donate blood.
"The one person that stood out was one of Mohammed Ali's daughters who donated several times," she said.
"I think it is very important that people donate, and we are very happy that we had the opportunity to co-sponsor this event," said Linda Strueber, an administrative assistant for the Women's Center.
According to the American Red Cross Web site, "every two seconds a patient is in need of a blood transfusion."
There will be another blood drive on Wednesday, April 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Higgins Hall. For more information on the American Red Cross or for other upcoming local blood drives, please visit the American Red Cross Web site at www.givebloodgivelife.org.
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