Campus drive wants your blood

Organizers hope for big turnout to support local blood banks

By Ryan Borba

The Collegian

Getting students to understand how much they are needed is the primary challenge of this week’s blood drive at Fresno State, according to event coordinator Renee Delport.

“It’s the one thing hospitals can’t buy,” she said. “The average student doesn’t realize the urgent need for blood.”

According to a statement from the Central California Blood Center, 75 percent of all Americans who reach age 72 will need a blood transfusion. The 31 hospitals in the Central Valley’s five-county area require 5,000-6,000 units of blood each month.

Delport’s advice for those who are apprehensive or squeamish about blood or needles is to put the situation in perspective. Valley Children’s Hospital uses more blood than any other in the area.

“They should see the tiny babies who have needles going in and out of them for whatever ailments they have,” she said. “[Potential donors] should be able to handle one needle.”

During an on-campus blood drive last May, more than 600 students, faculty and staff gave blood, Delport said, making it the most successful drive on campus so far. Delport said they would love to build on those encouraging numbers, and even though Fresno State has a great faculty, staff and student body, “We can always do better.”

The blood is used for numerous procedures, including organ transplants, brain surgery and car accident recovery.

Students cite a number of reasons for not giving blood. Time is always a problem, some are afraid of needles or blood, and others just aren’t aware of the events.

Gerardo Garcia, a transfer student from Reedley College, said the real reason is usually because students are self-centered.

“[Giving blood] should be automatic,” he said. “Nowadays, people don’t want to help others.” Garcia said he hasn’t given blood at Fresno State yet, but he plans to.

“What if you’re the one who needs it? People are so into themselves they don’t worry about others unless it’s someone close,” he said.

The blood drive will take place Wednesday and Thursday, with donation areas in multiple campus buildings, Delport said.

“We wanted to make it as convenient as possible for students, faculty and staff,” she said.

Convenience might be key for many students, who often say they are too busy to donate.

Jon Durham, a freshman from Fresno, said he didn’t know there was a blood drive, but he might consider donating because of the snacks and coupons, that come with a donation.

Ebony Wheatley, also a freshman, might give blood — “if you give me a cookie,” she joked.

Anyone giving blood at this week’s drive will receive a T-shirt and numerous discounts at local businesses.

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