The American Red Cross has less than one half the amount of blood it needs to fill every hospital order and be certain that blood will be available to respond to the unexpected. On Monday, Nov. 4, the students, faculty and staff helped tackle the current shortage by donating blood.
Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 65 of the 96 registered donors came to Grace Hall to give blood. A total of 50 productive pints were collected.
Susan Fitzgerald, health services coordinator, said, “It was a great drive, I’m thrilled! We were above goal, which has not happened for a long time.”
Fitzgerald said that one of the common factors that hinder most college students from donating blood is tattoos, which require a 12-month deferral.
Andrew Storti, a junior who donated blood, said, “It makes me feel good to help out. I’ve given blood since I was 17 and every time I get a chance, I take it.”
The American Red Cross is the major supplier of blood to more than 100 hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Over 1,400 fewer donations were given in this area during the month of October.
It is an unusual situation because blood shortages usually occur in the summer months and again after the winter holidays.
The American Red Cross is working to raise awareness of the urgent need for healthy people to participate in their community blood supply.
The blood drive occurs on campus semi-annually and the next drive is scheduled for April.
