ISU Bengal

Issue date: 3/7/07 Section: Life

Media Credit: Hailey Marshall

More accurately, this spring's blood drive resulted in enough blood to save 267 lives. Co-sponsored by the American Red Cross and the Students' Community Service Center (CSCS), the two day event resulted in an impressive 87 pints of blood; each pint of blood can save as many as three lives. The theme for this blood drive "1 in 2 people need blood, you may be saving your Valentine's life," sums up the profound impact donating can have.

The success of a blood driver remains largely in the efforts of volunteers. Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Alpha Delta Xi Sorority, ISU Ambassadors, ISU Honors Society, and Japanese Club all volunteered and contributed to the welcoming atmosphere. By greeting students, escorting donors, and being all around cheerful. Diana Painter from the SCSC was excited with the turnout. "We had 11 first time donors, which is great. I hope they become regular donors because they had a good experience." While numerous students donated, ISU faculty and staff shined as a large number of return donors.

Painter acknowledged that this blood drive fell slightly short of meeting their goal, but remained steadfast pointing out that the previous blood drive, on Oct. 24, 2006, exceeded their goal by 18 units. "The only thing I did differently this time is not having candy at the sign-up table, I guess candy is the key to success" said Painter. While sweetening the sign-up table may help attract more donors, the drop in donations has come at a bad time.

Many people are not aware of how critical blood can be; even minor weather emergencies can create an overwhelming need for blood. Last month in Portland, Oregon, numerous blood drives had to be canceled due to extreme weather.

According to Liz Jordan of the Pocatello Red Cross, during the blood crisis, Idaho was asked to supply additional blood. Leaving Idaho vulnerable, if we were to experience a similar emergency, we could also be at risk for a blood shortage. A testament to an once of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure, Jordan, stresses the importance of being prepared before a situation forces the need. For this reason, people are encouraged to donate regularly.

The SCSC is already looking forward to their next drive not only to boost donations, but also to offer the opportunity to register bone marrow donors. The SCSC will be working in conjunction with the annual "Angels for Alec" bone marrow registration drive to make bone marrow donation possible. Scheduled for May 2 starting 8 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m. this event will take place in the Pond Student Union Ballroom.

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