Blood drive saves lives
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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A blood drive was held in The Commons at LBCC on April 28 and 29. Students, faculty, and staff could either make appointments or just drop in to donate during that time.
Elaine Pile, health specialist of ASG, planned the blood drive as the event she needed to do for the term. Shannon McFadden, the team supervisor, was in charge of making sure the blood drive ran smoothly. She also makes sure everything is organized properly so no mess-ups happen.
McFadden said that, after giving blood, the person shouldn’t feel any different. She went as far as to say that some people report that they feel rejuvenated because the old blood has been removed and is then replaced by new blood. Donors are warned though to stay away from exercise or heavy lifting for five days after they give blood. She also said that volunteers must wait 56 days before donating again.
The volunteer blood donors were all very enthusiastic about helping out. When asked why she was donating blood, Heather Taylor said “I give blood as often as I can because I know it saves lives. There is always someone in need.” Megan Pile, another donor, added, “I have been a donor for two years. I feel like I am helping out in my own small way.” Michael Quetschke, one of the student volunteers at the blood drive, was asked why he was volunteering. “I want to go to school to be a paramedic, and it’s a step in the door.”
The blood given at blood drives such as the one held at LBCC is used in a number of ways. It is used to replace blood lost by victims of car accidents. It is also used to replace blood lost during surgeries. Patients with diseases such as sickle cell anemia have to have regular blood transfusions.
For more information visit http://www.redcross.org/donate/give/ or call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
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