The American Red Cross came to Western Carolina University on Tuesday, Feb. 15 until Thursday, Feb. 17. The blood drive was in the University Center Grand Room every day from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Over 300 people attended the blood drive and selflessly gave their own blood. There were a lot of smiling faces in the UC Grand Room, all happy that the weather had cleared up enough to get the blood pumping again.
“Giving blood makes me feel empowered because I know that I’m saving lives and it only takes five minutes to save three lives,” Jon D’Amato, a WCU student who gave blood said.
Many students stopped to give blood between and after classes. The volunteers were working diligently to get the donors in and out in a safe and efficient manner.
“When we first began the drive, it felt like we were trying to fill up a bath tub with no stopper. We were very behind from the winter but I’m happy to see the rapid improvement,” Carolyn Deal, the American Red Cross donor representative said.
The American Red Cross is desperately seeking donors. In result of the wintery weather that we have been having, several blood drives have been cancelled; meaning lack in blood availability.
Why and how should anyone give blood?
For starters, every pint of blood that a person gives will save three lives. The requirements to give blood are simple; you must be at least 110 pounds, have a pulse between 50 and 100 beats, have a normal temperature and be at least 17 years of age. For more information on health requirements visit www.redcrossblood.org.
The next blood drive will be on April 26 and 27 at Western Carolina University in the UC Grand Room. Mark your calendar and be a hero by saving lives.
