On Thursday, Nov. 11, the Biological Honor Society Tri Beta, Drew’s Pre-Health Society and the New York Blood Center teamed up to organize a blood drive on campus in order to combat the ongoing blood shortage happening nationwide. The blood drive was held in the Ehinger Center’s (EC) Crawford Hall where students could drop in or come by appointment to donate from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of blood drives were cancelled. Hospitals are still feeling the effects of the shortage and do not have an adequate supply for certain blood types to get through the day, according to a Red Cross article.
Blood Donor Specialist Tom Luniewski of the New York Blood Center said that the non-profit has been visiting more universities in the area in response to the blood shortage. He said, “For the size of this school it was a great turn out and we’ve been busy all day. A lot of first time donors too which is always nice to see.”
The blood drive had a large student because many had previously heard about the blood shortage which motivated them to donate.
Tri Beta Member Ryan Money (’23) said, “I know they’re very desperate for getting blood, I’ve seen a few articles recently about blood shortage so if I could give blood maybe I can help.”
Other students decided to donate out of pure altruism.
“Today was actually the first time I’ve ever donated blood, but I decided to do it because, as a Black person, I know there are not as many Black donors as are needed, so I wanted to do what I can to help,” said Sarah Perry (’23).
Even students who didn’t feel comfortable with donating still found a way to help to make the event a success. Tri Beta Member Michelle Lombardi (’24) signed up to pass out drinks and snacks to those who donated and ensured that everything ran smoothly.
The ongoing blood shortage and potential to help patients in need wasn’t the only incentive for students to donate. Those who donated were automatically entered in a raffle to receive $1,500 and members of Tri Beta were also given membership service minutes for donating and tabling.
Students who are interested in donating blood but were not able to make it to the event can search for blood drives and donation sites in the area by visiting the New York Blood Center website.
