On Feb. 26, IWU hosted the Red Cross for their annual blood drive opportunity, where staff and students were welcome to come to the Jones banquet room to donate.
Kimla Gillum, a collection specialist for the Red Cross, said that there is a national shortage of blood at the moment and that donating is extremely important.
“It saves lives,” Gillum said. “One single donation can save up to three people.”
Gillum said that one donation of blood is split into three ways. The pint is analyzed in a lab and then broken down into red cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these components is given to someone in need, saving their life.
Gillum also said that the small population of those who do donate is diminishing and that only five percent of America’s total population donates blood.
“Our biggest donators are the oldest generation and they are getting ready to go away,” Gillum said. “It is really important for students to get in the habit of doing it, that way we have a blood-supply in the future.”
The event had lots of student and staff participants and a packed schedule.
“It has been really busy. We have a full schedule today.” Gillum said.
One of the participants in the donation process was junior nursing major Morgan Brooks. Brooks said she has donated at a few of the blood drives hosted at IWU, for reasons inspired by a family member.
“I donate because my great-grandma had a blood disease and frequently needed transfusions,” Brooks said. “I enjoy helping others and I am healthy enough to donate my blood.”
Brooks said that the blood drive being hosted at the school makes it an easy process for students who are able to donate.
“It is really convenient. I don’t have to drive anywhere. I just sign up and walk in.” Brooks said.
Aside from all of the benefits that come along with donating blood, it can come as an extra-credit opportunity to nursing and science majors. Sophomore nursing major Emma Foreman said that it can come into play in a few different classes.
“In anatomy and physiology, we were able to give blood for extra credit,” Foreman said. “It also happened to be around the general time that we had learned about blood in class.”
Foreman said that the blood drive was a great opportunity for students to get firsthand experience with what they were learning about.
“Not only do students benefit from the extra credit and the introduction into the field, it benefits the Red Cross by giving them a bigger number of donators.” Foreman said.
