By Hayley Holland
The Central California Blood Center will host an on-campus blood drive next Tuesday through Thursday at different locations around Fresno State. All donors will receive free rewards.
The Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning is working with the CCBC to coordinate the blood drive. Students and faculty are encouraged to donate blood.
A kick-off will be held on Tuesday in the Resident Dining Hall from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the donations will continue on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The donor buses will be located at the University Student Union, Kremen School of Education, Maple Mall and Engineering East.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID and Social Security number are required at registration.
“Drink a lot of water, eat a good meal and come on out,” Laura Geuvjehizian from CCBC said. “It only takes about 45 minutes to donate and it’s for a good cause.”
Geuvjehizian has seen a rise in participation over time.
“We’re thankful that there’s been an increase and a lot more support from everyone over the years,” she said.
Fresno State student Claire Shiba has donated a couple of times and thinks more people should participate. She plans on donating at the upcoming blood drive and said it is an easy way to help people who are in need.
“I knew donating blood was for a good cause and my dad had been telling me to do it,” Shiba said. “Donating is painless and no one should be afraid to do it.”
She added, “If you’re able to do it, you should. Blood is so scarce these days, and the blood center can always use more especially if you’re a rare blood type and are able to do so. It’s a quick process to help others in need.”
Iris Manselian, a student at Fresno State, donates about three or four times a year. She understands the importance of it and thinks more people should donate.
“It doesn’t hurt like most people think,” Manselian said. “It’s a fast process and most importantly, it saves lives.”
Manselian has had a positive experience when donating blood, and hopes other people can make it memorable as well.
“The first time I donated was my junior year of high school, and I got to do it at school with all of my friends,” Manselian said. “It was a really fun experience, and that’s why I’ve been participating in different blood drives ever since.”
Donors at the upcoming blood drive will receive a free vintage T-shirt and other reward coupons.
For more information, contact the CCBC at 559-224-2900.