2008 Woodie Awards
Blood drive attracts few students
By Sarah Poulton
Rocket Assistant Ad Manager
Issue date: 11/11/05 Section: News
|
The blood drive lasted from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and was run by the Central Blood Bank. This is the third time this year Central Blood Bank has been to Slippery Rock, donor specialist Lori Dudeck said. Dudeck has been employed by the Central Blood Bank for five weeks.
There were 77 students regitered to donate blood, and of them, only 46 units were collected.
Dudeck said most donated blood is usable. She said the only time blood cannot be used is when a donor's vein collapses or when there is not enough blood in the bag.
SRU Greek Life Advisor Lorraine Stubbs said the Pan Hellenic Council did most of the work. Stubbs said the women in charge were Brittany Cole, vice president of public relations for the council, and Kristen Barco, vice president of community service.
There were first-time donors, as well as veterans participating in the blood drive. Junior criminology major Robert Wilson said this was his third time donating blood.
"My body produces blood anyway, so why not," Wilson said.
While less than one percent of the student body was donating blood, the other 99 percent had their own reasons for not donating. Graduate student sports management major Tiffany Springs said she went to school straight from work and did not have a chance.
There are quite a few blood drives hosted on campus throughout the year which could play a factor in reducing the turnout. Stubbs said it may be a bit overwhelming for the students to keep donating.
Stubbs said while some people may find donating blood an unpleasant activity, it is important for all those who are able to donate.
"The biggest reason (more people don't donate) is that people don't know how much blood a patient uses, and the surplus goes down," Dudeck said. "I had no idea that one patient could use so much blood."
Refreshments were provided for everyone who donated blood. The average person can donate blood every 56 days.
