Steph MangoldThe American Red Cross will be on campus for the second of two blood drives this year on Tuesday, April 8 in the Grace Hall Atrium. Cabrini has been holding semi-annual blood drives for at least 15 years, according to Susan Fitzgerald, health services coordinator.
It is important for college students to donate blood because “they are typically a young, healthy group of people,” Fitzgerald said. “They are good candidates to donate because they generally do not have other health problems that older people face.”
It is also important for all people, not just students, to donate because the Red Cross always needs to be ready incase the overwhelming need for blood rises. As of March 24, the Red Cross has “a 2.5-day supply of all blood types combined,” Jennifer Lawson, Red Cross account manager, said. “The minimal safe level is a two-day or 48-hour supply. Our optimal level is five-day supply.”
Especially important for the Red Cross is their “signed agreements with the military to support its blood needs in the event the demand for blood products exceeds military collection capabilities,” Lawson said. In case of a military emergency, the Red Cross would like to have their supply of blood up to their optimal level. One of the ways to achieve that goal and be prepared is to hold a variety of blood drives, like the ones held on campus. “Our message to the American public continues to be one of preparedness,” Lawson said.
