ASG holds Blood Drive for American Red Cross

The blood drive is only one of the events sponsored by Saddleback College’s ASG. (Lariat File Photo)

Saddleback College’s Associated Student Government ASG, along with the American Red Cross, held the semiannual  fall blood drive on Wednesday, Sept. 17, and Thursday, Sept. 18, in room 212 of the Student Services Center.

ASG and the American Red Cross hold both a fall and spring blood drive every year.

“The two ASG held blood drives have the largest turn out, compared to the monthly ones held in Saddleback College’s parking Lot 4,” said Ryan Bateman, Donor Recruitment Associate for the American Red Cross. “Over the summer, there was an urgent need for blood. Although that shortage no longer exists, the American Red Cross is always in need of blood, in order to avoid those shortages.”

The Student Services Center lounge held both walk-ins and students with appointments waiting to donate. By 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the blood donations more than halfway met the Red Cross’s goal.

Thursday’s original donation hours were extended by two hours, Bateman said. Because this season’s turnout was so great, doors opened at 8 a.m. rather than 10 a.m. and stayed open until 4 p.m., he said.

Makaila Nartea, 19, deaf studies, waited to donate blood for the first time on Wednesday. Nartea heard about the blood drive at an Inter-Club Council meeting. She has always wanted to donate, but hasn’t been able to before because of her schedule.

“It just feels like the right thing to do, to help,” she said.

Mohanad Shahili, 19, an American Red Cross volunteer, stood outside of the SSC informing Saddleback students about blood donations. One donor can be a large contribution, he said.

“If you donate today, 10 minutes can save up to three lives.”

Comments

comments