By KATRINA PENAFLOR Campus Life Editor
On Feb. 3 and Feb. 4, the American Red Cross set up shop in the Pacific Room of the Werner University Center for the annual blood drive, hosted by Western.
It gives students and faculty the opportunity to donate blood.
“It’s nice that it comes to campus,” commented Cat Bracken, a history and English major.
Twins Sharon Jones and Sherry Hinkle, both from the Willamette Chapter of the Red Cross, were two of the volunteers at the blood drive.
“We try to make it a good time for everyone,” Hinkle said.
According to www.redcrossblood.org, “More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day,” an important reason for students to donate.
The average donation amount from one person is one pint. There is the exception of what Jones calls, “Twice as nice,” which are donors who have the ability to give two pints.
The donation process was fairly simple. Students, carrying with them a valid I.D., signed in at the front table and – while waiting to donate – were given a booklet that outlines an overview of the process.
Then they met with a nurse and answered an array of questions, which checked their health and well-being. This ensured whether or not the donor is eligible to give blood.
Following is the actual donation, which according to Hinkle, can take approximately 20 minutes. There was also juice and snacks provided for people to enjoy afterward.
For some students, hesitation shadows blood donation and the cause it seeks to fulfill.
Hinkle recommended eating a solid meal before donation and wants new donors to know that “We explain the process; it’s very simple. [The nurses] are very gentle.”
Hinkle also added that it is “very helpful if you can make an appointment ahead of time.” This will keep the waiting time down.
Jones said the turnout was excellent this year. She said at universities the volunteers generally find there to be an influx of people willing to donate.
There were plenty of students and faculty willing to volunteer this term.
While waiting to donate, Bracken said, “People should give it a try. There is always a need for it.”
