American Red Cross Club Runs Successful Blood Drive

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, which means that more than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. In order to address this significant problem, the American Red Cross Club of Boston College held a blood drive on campus. The blood drive ran for three days straight, and students and faculty alike were invited to donate. “Donating blood is not scary at all,” said Joshua Berk, a coordinator of the blood drive, along with Ellen Regan. The two juniors have been involved with the American Red Cross Club since freshman year and now have the role of coordinating the five blood drives that are run throughout the year. Those who volunteered to give blood were asked to fill out a series of questions to determine if it was safe for them to donate. They then lay down on a bed and a nurse drew blood from their arm. “Each appointment takes about forty-five minutes to an hour, but the actual process of giing blood is only about five minutes,” explained Joshua. After donating, everyone was required to participate in a mandatory recovery period. Giving blood makes one feel subsequently weak for a short period of time, therefore complementary snacks and drinks were made available to all who donated. “The best part is after you give blood. You get to hang out, eat treats, and get free T-shirts,” added Ellen. The turnout for the December blood drive was phenomenal. Each of the three days had approximately one hundred and twenty appointments, for a grand total of about three hundred and sixty donors. Each donor gives one pint of blood at the drive. Since some people who scheduled appointments were rejected for medical reasons. About one hundred pints of blood were donated each day the drive was held. One pint of blood saves three people. Therefore, each day, approximately three hundred people were saved because of the blood obtained during the BC blood drive. The American Red Cross Club hosts two blood drives each semester and one over the summer. “Many people are consistent donors that come back each drive to give. But, we always welcome new donors, and encourage anyone who wants to donate to come,” says Joshua. Although the American Red Cross Club of Boston College is an independent organization, it has strong ties to the American Red Cross. The blood donated at this blood drive will be used by hospitals very quickly. The blood donated is given to the American Red Cross. After the blood is tested to ensure that it is safe to give to a patient in need, the Red Cross transfers it to hospitals. Given the high demand of blood in the United States, blood usually does not remain stored at blood banks for very long. The American Red Cross Club is involved with several other volunteer projects at Boston College throughout the year. The club collects food for needy families as well as school supplies for children in need. Furthermore, CPR training and EMS opportunities are available through the American Red Cross Club. Students who would like to give blood this year are still able to do so. Two more blood drives will be held on campus during the spring semester, and anyone interested in donating is invited to contact the American Red Cross Club of Boston College for further details.

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