Rachel Decker
The Paw Print
As a part of the celebration for Cesar Chavez week, the El Parnaso Spanish Club and the Campus Ministry hosted a blood drive last Friday to aide those in need of blood donations.
Dozens of students made appointments through the campus ministry to donate blood, which pleased those hosting the event. Hospitals are in constant need of blood donations. One young woman who donated last Friday declared, “Donating blood is a gift that keeps on giving”.
Blood is always in demand; donations are used in all sorts of situations. According to the Red Cross, nearly 32,000 pints of blood are used every single day. Surprisingly, nearly 60 percent of the US population is eligible to donate, but only 5 percent actually give blood. When donors give blood, only one pint is taken at a time. It is estimated that if 10 percent of the population donated blood, it would be enough to sustain quantities without such a pressing demand that is present today.
“Many people just don’t donate because they’re uneducated,” said one volunteer nurse. “It’s so frustrating. They need to learn about something before they decide it’s not worth their time.”
Donated blood is used for all sorts of situations, whether it is given to a person in surgery who has lost a lot of blood, a mother giving birth, or a child battling cancer, blood is important, and there is not enough of it.
“It is really inspiring to see so many people turn up,” said Andrew Vasquez, a participant in Friday’s blood drive. “I’ve come to a lot of these, and it’s sad to think that so many people just don’t show up”.
Photo by Brenda Figueroa: People gave blood in response to Cesar Chavez Week
There are some blood types that are more sought after than others. It is important that when someone receives a donation, they have the correct type of blood. If it is the wrong type, the blood will clot in the veins, and the clots can be deadly. The most popular type is Type O negative, because it is considered the “Universal Type”. Anyone can receive Type O negative blood, so those with that type are highly encouraged to donate. Many blood drives also offer the option to have your blood type mailed to you so that you can know what your type is.
“The rarest type of blood is the one not available when needed,” said one volunteer nurse last Friday. “No matter what your type, if you’re eligible, you should donate. Your donation today could save someone’s life tomorrow”.
There are some factors that keep people from donating blood, however. Things like tattoos that are less than a year old, new piercings, or cold and flu symptoms can temporarily defer someone from giving blood. More serious reasons like AIDs or other serious medical conditions permanently defer someone from donating.
“If you’re eligible, don’t be afraid to donate,” urges Marciella Grato, a young mother at the donation. Her son had recently been in need of a blood donation, and thanks to donors, he was able to obtain what he needed. “You never know who you’re helping. Why sit back and do nothing when you could spend five minutes donating to save a life?”
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