Students give blood at American Red Cross Blood Drive
20 year old undecided major Alex Franco waits patiently as Nurse Marlene Ybarra draws his blood. (Cody Shoemake)
Starting yesterday and continuing today in room SSC 212 until 8 p.m., ASG is hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive. The opportunity to donate is open to all qualified students at Saddleback College.
Sponsors of the two day event include Mimi’s Café as well as the Grammy Museum; any student who donates will receive a free appetizer coupon for Mimi’s, along with two courtesy tickets to visit the Grammy Museum.
Any student who wishes to give blood must be at least 110 lbs and no younger than 17 years old to donate without parental consent, according to Nurse/Team Supervisor Anne O’Grady.
“For eight years I’ve been doing this,” said O’Grady. “Knowing that we’re collecting safe blood for patients that need it-that’s the best part,” she added.
During the Blood Drive’s first day, many students whom had previously never felt compelled to give blood showed up to SSC 212.
Students such as Jessica Ramirez and Maria Ramirez, sisters, took their first step in giving blood together yesterday.
“This is my first time giving blood in general” stated Jessica, 19 year old Nursing major, adding, “I just wanted to give back and that’s why I came here today.”
“This is my first time giving as well,” said 21 year old sister Maria Ramirez, also a Nursing major. She then stated that she too came to give back, and for some extra credit points in her Anatomy class as well.
To schedule a donating appointment, call the ASG Office at (949)582-4517. Students may also sign up online by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org, keyword: College.