Blood drive meets goals

Donors recieve candy, carnations and coupons for blood donations

By Krisse Mansfield

The Central California Blood Center wrapped up its two-day, on-campus blood drive Thursday, meeting its expected projection of 350 units.

The drive marks the third for Fresno State this year.

Donor recruiter Darla Silvera said although this blood drive was slower than the last, the center’s goals were still met.

“ The last drive we had was better, mainly because we had Fresno State marketing students working with us to help promote the project,” Silvera said. “A lot more people were aware of it. This year it’s just been steady.”

First-time donor Kenny Chan, a student majoring in finance, decided to donate blood as a way to give back to the community.

“ I just thought it was time,” Chan said. “I wanted to be able to save someone’s life.”

This year’s donors received See’s Candy, Twinkies, carnations and a coupon book for free food at local fast-food restaurants as an incentive for giving blood.

Phlebotomist Juila Loewen said one of the most interesting aspects of working the blood drive is watching people’s reactions.

“ We’ve had reactions ranging from just being light-headed and nauseous to having seizures,” Loewen said. “If you don’t eat a good meal or drink enough water before giving blood, you’re more likely to have a negative reaction. If we know someone has had a bad experience in the past, it makes it easier to prevent it and then less likely to happen.”

The last blood drive of the school year will be in April.