By Andrew Wang
Approximately 40,000 pints of blood are used each day in the United States. Drew Health Organization (DHO) hoped to contribute to the lives saved everyday through organizing a campus wide event.
Kendra Polk (’18), co-President of the organization, explained, “Our goal is to promote a healthy, uplifting, and positive lifestyle that not only betters your life but others as well.” The blood drive took place yesterday, Sept. 22, in Crawford Hall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Not only did large numbers of Drew students go to donate blood, but many members of the Madison community came to do their part as well. Gary Hughes, a resident of Madison, said, “Every time Drew hosts a blood drive, I always go. It’s really important since nowadays there’s an emergency blood shortage.”
Recently, the American Red Cross reported that there are about 39,000 fewer donations than needed resulting in an emergency blood shortage. Approximately 1 out of every 7 people entering a hospital needs blood. Consequently, a single donation has the potential to save as many as three lives.
Bonaventure Durugo, the Team Leader of the New York Blood Center, remarked, “The reason for the blood shortage right now is due to the summer time. Many people are traveling and vacationing and make no time for donating blood.” He added, “The best donors that we have are high schools and colleges, you all are very important to saving lives and every one of you should try to make a difference in saving lives.”
The blood drive was a success as about 50-60 students and members of Madison community came to donate blood. Luckily, there will be another blood drive this semester for students who wish to donate blood where there will be food and prizes.
Emily O’Connor (’20) said, “Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to give back to the community and I think everyone should do it.”
