On February 15, the American Red Cross Club will be hosting the Spring Blood Drive from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will take place at the Wiseman Student Lounge (L105) in the Warde Academic Center.
Found on TheDen, this event is open to both students and staff. It is advised that attendees eat a healthy meal and drink an extra 16 oz. of fluids before the donation. A photo ID, blood donor card, or two other forms of identification are required for interested donors.
Appointments are required for this event, and they can be made by contacting RA Mia Cox via email at cox.m06@mymail.sxu.edu.
On February 5, an earthquake with a 7.4 magnitude hit both Syria and Turkey. Over 11,000 casualties have been reported, and the Red Cross, known overseas as the Red Crescent, has sprung to action. They are currently collecting and shipping blood overseas to impacted areas. As well they are shipping supplies such as first aid kits to affected communities.
Cox, president of the American Red Cross Club, stated that, “If we have more sign ups and volunteers then we can increase the number of donations that can be used in life-saving care for those affected and injured in the earthquake.”
The earthquake in Syria and Turkey has caused over 22,000 injuries and countless destruction of homes. Freezing temperatures have been reported in that area, causing complications in the process of rescuing survivors. The Red Cross is also aiding the relief effort.
As of Wednesday, February 8, the United States military has sent paramedics, tools, and medical equipment to severely impacted areas in Turkey.
Cox added, “I think that the blood drive couldn’t have come at a better time because we are in a blood supply shortage, so any kind of donation will benefit a whole lot of people.”
It was reported by the Red Cross in early 2022 that there is a blood shortage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. By donating blood, donors are contributing to the earthquake relief effort and the pandemic. Blood is always needed, and it is through blood drives such as this that lives are saved.
Over two million people have received assistance from the Red Cross throughout its years of service, but not just through the blood drives that occur every few months. The organization exists in almost two hundred countries and is currently known as the world’s largest humanitarian network.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization known for sheltering, feeding, and providing for those who have been victimized by disasters. They supply 40% of the United States’ blood and teach skills that save lives such as CPR. For more information about the Red Cross visit https://www.redcross.org/ or visit @RedCross on Twitter.Individuals interested in donating blood can contact Mia Cox via email at cox.m06@mymail.sxu.edu for more information regarding the Blood Drive.