Author: Katy Dhanens
The Huntington Hospital Donor Center collaborated with the Oxy Office of Student Life to organize a blood drive on campus throughout the week of March 16-20. The center collected blood from students and faculty Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18, in lower Herrick. Donors were welcomed with a cool, quiet atmosphere and a room that was nearly empty. Although it was the third time that Huntington Hospital Donor Center had collected blood on Occidental Campus, this was the first time that the blood drive has lasted three days. The Center hoped to draw in more donors by extending the drive by a day.
According to Jackie Baca-Geary, an employee at the blood drive, “Schools are the best because there is a large population of people in one place. Students usually pull in the numbers.” At Occidental, 21 students donated on Monday, 33 students donated on Tuesday, and Baca-Geary hoped for another 25 on Wednesday. This equates to a little less than 5% of the Oxy student body.
According to the Red Cross website, “every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood… but only 5% of the eligible US population donates blood in any given year.” Blood is needed in hospitals for instances that range from emergencies to cancer. Some people require regular blood transfusion in order to live. Because of this variety of uses, blood is always in demand. Baca-Geary said, “There is never enough of a supply of blood because you never know what’s going to happen.” The shelf life of blood is 35 days and according to Baca-Geary, it is never thrown out because it is in such high demand.
According to some student donors, giving blood is a small sacrifice compared to its impact on others. Brent Magnusson (first-year) has given blood five times, and said, “You can do it relatively infrequently and theoretically make a large impact. I feel like it’s something small, a way you can give back, and it feels good.” According to the employees of the blood drive on campus, the blood can be used within 48 hours of being collected. A donor’s sacrifice can make an almost immediate impact.
Stephen Bent (senior) said, “It is not an inconvenience and I know it helps other. It takes very little to give up, and from what I understand it does a lot of good.”
Although after giving blood donors should avoid strenuous physical activity, donating has a temporary and minimal effect on daily life. The process has become streamlined.
After registering, donors are given information about donating blood and complete a series of health history questions. They are evaluated to ensure that they are healthy enough to donate and will not put recipients of their blood at risk for disease. A staff member at the blood drive will clean the donor’s arm and insert a needle. It takes about seven to ten minutes to collect a pint of blood.
Afterwards, donors rest and are offered free snacks and liquids.
For some students, donating blood has other perks in addition to providing for others. “They also give you treats and free ice cream,” Magnusson said. Participants at this week’s blood drive received gift certificates for a free pint of ice cream at Baskin Robbins.
There are a large number of people who are ineligible, and of those who are eligible, few donate. Many people are ineligible due to where they have traveled, with whom they have been in contact with or their own personal health history.
Additionally, a donor must weigh 110 pounds and be completely healthy at the time of giving blood. According to one nurse, many college girls are ineligible simply because they are anemic. Kelly O’Leary (first-year) said, “The last time I tried to give blood I couldn’t because I’m anemic.” Some students simply do not want to take the time or effort to donate blood. “Its mostly time. Mostly I was lazy,” Aaron Choi (first-year) said. Others are afraid of needles or blood. “I’ve had bad experiences with needles. I don’t do well with them,” Audrey Grant (sophomore) said.
Magnusson believes that many people who are able to donate are unwilling. “I feel like there are a lot of people who could, but either are not aware or don’t want to take the time to do it,” Magnusson said.
Those who donate regularly embrace their ability to help others with relative ease. “I’m lucky because I’m not afraid of needles,” Magnusson said. “I never get sick.”
Although the Office of Student Life holds blood drives semi-regularly, students can individually donate outside of the blood drives on campus. Those who would like to donate Monday through Friday at the Huntington Hospital can call (626) 397-5422 to make an appointment.
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