A Celebration of Life: Upcoming Blood Drive Seeking Donors and Volunteers

Life is often taken for granted, and individuals sometimes forget just how lucky they are to have the freedom to do essentially what they want and embrace their health and good standing.

With the recent tragedy in Haiti, it is more than imperative to be thankful to be alive and have loved ones surrounding.  It is time to reach out to others and cultivate a celebration of life, and one way to do just that is to be a donor and/or volunteer at Marietta College’s first blood drive of the spring 2010 semester from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Gathering Place.

A group of McDonough Leadership students, with the aid of Director of Civic Engagement – Tanya Judd-Pucella – and Red Cross Donor Marketing Specialist, Brian Adams, coordinated the drive because of the constant need for blood and products to supply hospitals and help the sick and injured.  Because of the aforementioned crisis, that need has multiplied even more, which is why all students and faculty members are highly encouraged to partake in this event.

“Blood drives are crucial to the health and welfare of our community and beyond,” Judd-Pucella says.  “While the blood collected here at MC may not go to Haiti directly, there is always the need to have a good supply on hand in case of disasters.”

The student organizers – freshmen Sarah Snow, Jaide Brown, Marci Estock, and Sam Thomas and sophomores Taylor Vaughn and Jen Emmert – have all worked blood drives numerous times in the past and are incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve and inspire others and make a difference on a local and global level.

It hasn’t always been easy for them, though – Snow is afraid of needles, Brown can’t give because she passes out easily, and Estock and Vaughn had to overcome long-term nervousness.

“The first time I gave blood, I kept thinking about how badly people need this,” Estock admits.  “I can give them the gift of life, which I think is an extremely awesome ability, but also a huge responsibility – their helplessness gave me the confidence to roll up my sleeve and donate.  The rewarding feeling that you get after donating far outweighs the little prick of a needle.”

Vaughn’s power to prevail was more extreme, however, and she’s a Health Science major.  She gave blood for the first time last semester.

“I’m the girl who had to be held down to even get a medical shot,” she explains.  “For 19 years of my life, it never even occurred to me to donate blood because I let my nervousness take over, but nothing is better than overcoming that fear – I walked out a changed woman, and I hope that others can experience that, too!”

While reassuring, students may still feel apprehensive about the process.  Red Cross Specialist Brian Adams says, “People have many misconceptions about donating blood – they think that because they have diabetes, high blood pressure, or low iron, they cannot donate, and that’s not necessarily true.  As long as these conditions are under control, the donors WILL be able to give.  We make sure that people are feeling healthy the day of the donation.”

Ultimately, there are more benefits to giving blood than bad, which can have an impact not just on patients, but to the donors, as well.

“Working with blood drives will teach many valuable life skills like leadership, event coordination, public speaking, sales, networking, multi-tasking, strategic planning…and the list goes on,” claims Adams.

Marietta College students have the opportunity to not only donate blood, but to volunteer as well.  Student planner Sam Thomas assures, “The best kind of volunteer hours are those in which you are unable to witness the results, for you know that you are performing the act out of pure kindness.  Realize that although you may feel a little needle prick, those who need the blood are in much more pain, and to take 15 minutes out of your day to give blood may give someone else a lifetime in return.”

To donate, please sign up online at www.redcrossblood.org and enter the Marietta College Sponsor Code (MariettaC).  Students may also show up the day of the blood drive if interested, but must bring some form of identification to be eligible.  B Negative and O Negative blood types are needed the most for this drive, but all are accepted.  To ensure best results, it is recommended that students drink lots of water leading to the drive and eat a good meal at least thirty minutes before donation time.  However, treats and beverages will be served to all donors and volunteers.

To volunteer, e-mail Marci Estock (mje004).  Leadership students may receive service hours through working shifts and/or giving blood (which would be equivalent to one volunteer hour).

“The individuals working the last blood drive coerced me into giving it a try, and for that I will be forever grateful,” Vaughn reflects.  “It opened my eyes to a whole new way of giving back to the community.”

Remember, it’s donors like you who give those in need of transfusions something to celebrate, and a chance for a brighter future.  Isn’t the pride of doing a good deed worth a meager 15 minutes out of your day?  Give back by giving blood.

This article was written by Jen Emmert, a student taking Media Writing 2 at Marietta College.  Look for more articles from the class to appear on Writing on the Mall in the coming weeks.  If you are interested in writing for Writing on the Mall, please e-mail patrick_h at writingonthemall dot net.