Spring Break
Blood drive: Give the gift of life
Helena Williams
Issue date: 12/12/07 Section: News
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THE HOLIDAY SEASON is upon us. Everyone is rushing around from one store to the next, creating debt that will last for years, in hopes of finding the perfect gift.
As shoppers look for holiday gifts, they might overlook one gift they could give that would have an effect on so many lives.
Associated Students of Citrus College and the Inter-club Council teamed with the American Red Cross on Dec. 4 and 5 for a blood drive held in the Campus Center.
With the help of many donors, and the involvement of teachers who offered extra credit,
the blood drive had a strong turnout.
"We had so many donors that we had to call in more staff," said charge nurse Lisa Valadez. She has been working for Red Cross for about four years.
One unit of blood saves three lives. The donor blood has many uses. Red blood cells are used for accident victims, along with people who suffer from low iron. Plasma found in blood is used for burn victims.
"This is the first time I've donated," said social science major Raba Ibrahim. "I want to be helpful."
It takes 45 minutes to complete the blood donating process.
The first step is registration. You're given a book of information, then directed to a private room where you'll be asked to answer 50-60 questions regarding your medical history.
The nurses then check such indications as blood pressure, vitals and hemoglobin. Then donors are ready to give.
The blood is sent to a laboratory, where several tests are performed to insure its purity. The blood is then packed and shipped to different hospitals, ready for use.
There are many reasons why people overcome their fear of needles and donate.
Student Amar Shalabi donated "to be a good citizen."
According to Student Activities Supervisor Adrienne Thompson, the Citrus College community gave a total of 151 units of blood, a high amount for a campus of nearly 13,000 students.
Pacific Coast College, for the same drive, collects 50 units on average, Thompson said.
The blood collected at the December drive could potentially save as many as 435 lives, a gift that's just in time for the holidays.
Helena Williams may be reached at ninaj.williams@yahoo.com
As shoppers look for holiday gifts, they might overlook one gift they could give that would have an effect on so many lives.
Associated Students of Citrus College and the Inter-club Council teamed with the American Red Cross on Dec. 4 and 5 for a blood drive held in the Campus Center.
With the help of many donors, and the involvement of teachers who offered extra credit,
the blood drive had a strong turnout.
"We had so many donors that we had to call in more staff," said charge nurse Lisa Valadez. She has been working for Red Cross for about four years.
One unit of blood saves three lives. The donor blood has many uses. Red blood cells are used for accident victims, along with people who suffer from low iron. Plasma found in blood is used for burn victims.
"This is the first time I've donated," said social science major Raba Ibrahim. "I want to be helpful."
It takes 45 minutes to complete the blood donating process.
The first step is registration. You're given a book of information, then directed to a private room where you'll be asked to answer 50-60 questions regarding your medical history.
The nurses then check such indications as blood pressure, vitals and hemoglobin. Then donors are ready to give.
The blood is sent to a laboratory, where several tests are performed to insure its purity. The blood is then packed and shipped to different hospitals, ready for use.
There are many reasons why people overcome their fear of needles and donate.
Student Amar Shalabi donated "to be a good citizen."
According to Student Activities Supervisor Adrienne Thompson, the Citrus College community gave a total of 151 units of blood, a high amount for a campus of nearly 13,000 students.
Pacific Coast College, for the same drive, collects 50 units on average, Thompson said.
The blood collected at the December drive could potentially save as many as 435 lives, a gift that's just in time for the holidays.
Helena Williams may be reached at ninaj.williams@yahoo.com
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