Let’s face it, we can’t live without blood.
That’s why the Lane Memorial Blood Bank is back on campus this week with its third-annual University Blood Drive. Tuesday was the first of a two-day effort to increase Lane County’s blood supply. Today, you can go to the Fir Room in the Erb Memorial Union from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help saves lives and for your efforts, receive free snacks.
Zoe Jones, a senior double-majoring in art history and romance languages, is the Blood Drive Chair for the Student Alumni Association and has been working hard to make the drive a success.
“The SAA brings the blood drive to campus to give students a chance to give blood who usually wouldn’t,” Jones said. “I am planning on giving blood today and I hope that more students do the same.”
The blood bank is encouraging as many students as possible to help out. Donors should be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and have had no body piercings or tattoos within the past year.
Chris Stockdale, donor recruiter for the Lane County Memorial Blood Bank, is anticipating a large turnout for the drive.
“We hope to get at least 200 donors over the two-day draw,” Stockdale said. “We have a bigger draw at the University because we are here for a longer period of time throughout the day. Plus it’s more convenient if the opportunity is on campus for the students.”
Although the blood bank routinely goes to other businesses and hospitals to raise blood, the reason for the greater success at the University is because they bring all of the equipment from the blood bank to the University so that it can serve more people.
Another reason for the blood drive is to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. The increase in car accidents attributed to big holidays increases the demand for blood.
“Summer holidays also see a demand in blood transfusions,” Stockdale said. “Big three-day weekend holidays such as the Fourth of July bring an increase in the demand for blood.”
Jessica Humphreys, a junior sociology major, came on Tuesday to show her support.
“I give blood because its an easy way to help people,” Humphreys said. “I have given in the past.”
For those donors who are unsure about the safety of giving blood, Stockdale assures everyone that donating blood has never been safer.
“Every needle we use is new, sterile and disposed of after usage,” Stockdale said
The Lane County Blood Bank will be back winter and spring terms with two-day drives similar to this week’s. The drives are scheduled for February 6 and 7 along with May 1 and 2.
“SAA has put on the drive for as long as I can remember,” Jones said.
Jones said that the actual experience of donating blood might be something that causes students to turn away.
“I think it’s hard for students to donate because it takes a lot of energy out of a person,” Jones said. “I hope more people will take the time out to realize how much it truly is needed.”
Located at 2211 Willamette St., the blood bank is always in need of donors and volunteers to help run drives such as the University Blood Drive.
“This is the largest off-property drive we put on,” Stockdale said. “When we go to businesses or churches with our bloodmobiles and limited supplies, we usually only get approximately 20 people over a three hour stay.”
If you or anyone you know is interested in donating blood, you can contact the Lane Memorial Blood Bank at 484-9111.