Students at EC can save thousands of lives by donating their blood to the American Red Cross, an organization that supplies more than 40 percent of the world’s blood supply.
With natural disasters, domestic abuse, car accidents and other traumatic events that result in the loss of blood, it’s imperative that everyone does their part to make sure that there is always blood for those who need it.
The blood drive will take place October 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Activities Center East Lounge and is open to students and the public as well.
Club members from various clubs on campus can earn points for their club, resulting in more money for fund raisers and other supplies they may need.
For every person who signs in and includes which club they were recruited by, that club receives three points.
Those interested may visit www.givelife.org, and use the password “ecc” to make an appointment.
This will encourage club members to reach out to others and spread the word about the blood drive and really encourage students here on campus to donate who may not have previously considered it before.
Many people may not know this, but the American Red Cross has been around since the ’40s and was then known as the American Red Cross Blood Donor Service.
It collected about 13 million pints of blood before and during World War II, which saved many American soldiers who would have died without that blood on tap, ready for transfusion.
The organization’s long history shows how dedicated it is to its cause. It still continues to provide blood transfusions to American soldiers, aids those facing natural disasters and others who need it.
It is not a government-run agency so the organization relies on the time and blood of volunteers. Making time to donate blood shows that students support the American Red Cross and what they do for the nation and the world.
It only takes an hour, and the gratification in knowing that the blood will save a person’s life is worth the slight discomfort one might feel while giving blood.
Blood collected from donors has a shelf life of about 42 days, but the blood never expires because it is always being used for research purposes and for people in need of a blood transfusion.
People who want to give blood must be in good health, weigh at least 110 lbs. and have not received tattoos in the last year.
A survey will be available for potential donors to determine if they eligibility, but one can’t know for sure unless they go down and find out.
This is a once-a-semester event, so the entire community should come out in full force and give blood for those who will need it most.