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Printer-Friendly ModeGroups compete in recent blood drive
April 4, 2005 —
Most wars involve blood, but SVSU recently hosted its own kind of war: "Blood Wars," a competition between student organizations to see which organization could contribute the largest number of blood donors.
The blood drive took place Tuesday and Wednesday, March 29 and 30.
As of press time, the winner of the "Wars" was not available. Regardless of the winner, the goal was to get as many donors as possible.
"I figured it's just a good way to help, and I had the free time," said Brian Janson, a senior from Reese majoring in Biology and Secondary Education.
Janson said he donates two to three times per year. The Michigan Community Blood Centers (MCBC) allows a person to donate every 56 days, or eight weeks, which complies with standards determined by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"We have to cater to donors because they help save lives" said Elmer Buese, a retiree from Frankenmuth who volunteers for MCBC.
Buese's badge at the drive, which read "Life Happens ...Thanks to Blood Donors," and referred to the generosity of all blood donors, is a sentiment shared by many SVSU students.
"I never know when it might be me that needs the blood," Janson said.
Over 60 people donated blood on Wednesday alone. Donating blood is relatively easy if one has a half-hour of free time and is eager to help others.
"It's real easy," Janson said. "It took me about a half-hour total."
Volunteers will not try to persuade donors who are reluctant or afraid because it is imperative that donors are comfortable. MCBC supplied donors with snacks, beverages, and an area to rest before and after donating, called the "Canteen."
Potential blood donors must be at least 17, have a photo ID, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and wait six weeks after a pregnancy ends or 12 months after a tattoo or body piercing. One cannot donate blood if they have certain blood diseases, epilepsy, chronic lung, liver, or heart disease, hepatitis, or have tested positive for HIV/AIDS. Prospective donors should check with a health professional if they have any other infectious or sexually transmitted disease, or medical condition that may affect eligibility.
In addition to collecting blood, MCBC also saves umbilical cords and bone marrow.
For more information on donating blood visit the MCBC Web site at www.miblood.org or contact SVSU Health Services at 964-4271.