By: Stephanie Angela Lane
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Stephanie Angela Lane
Brittany Lynch, a freshman nursing major donated blood on Thurs., April 20 at the university’s blood drive.
An unexpectedly large turnout led organizers of last week’s campus blood drive to double their expectations.
The original goal for the day was 35 people, but Kathy Quirk, supervisor of the blood drive team, reported that “due to the great turnout” that number had been altered to 50 early in the day. The blood drive, one of several this year, was held Thurs., April 20, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Rodgers Recreation Center. “It is important to hit the younger generation – they are the future donors,” Quirk said. Organizers were clearly prepared for a number of donors. Three full cases of water-with 24 bottles each-stood in a stack. A shelf with bottles of Tropicana orange juice settled next to a box overflowing with countless packets of saltine crackers. Six cots were lined up in a straight row along the wall – four occupied and two vacant. By 1:30 p.m., 21 people had donated successfully. According to Quirk, most donors were students and a few faculty members. She said it was definitely an example of “girl power” because the majority of the donors were female. Quirk also offered advice for potential donors. “Do not come in on an empty stomach,” Quirk advised. “You are donating one pint, or two cups, therefore you need to have a full stomach for energy.” She also noted that drinking lots of water and juice is helpful as well. “Also, stay away from caffeine!” Quirk counseled. “Caffeine is a diarrheic and therefore it dehydrates you.” Quirk believes it is important people realize just how much of an impact a donation makes. When blood is donated, red blood cells, plasma, and platelets are extracted from the blood. “Every time you donate, you save three lives!” Quirk explained. Brittany Lynch, a freshman nursing major at Salve, realizes the importance of donating blood. This blood drive was Lynch’s third while attending Salve, and she noted that giving blood is “not that bad, really.” “It is really quick,” Lynch said. “It only lasts about 15 minutes tops! I always do it whenever they come to Salve,” Lynch said. “I always think how I hope others would donate for me if I ever need it.”
