Monday, Feb 17, 2014
Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to donate blood in the Student Recreation Center Feb. 18-19
by Adam Grybowski
Nearly 800 blood drives across the country were canceled this winter because of severe weather, according to the American Red Cross, which says more donors are needed to help restock the blood supply. The weather also caused shortages in New Jersey.
“New Jersey especially is having a difficult time due to the impact of the extreme weather conditions we have repeatedly been facing,” says Angelina Caravello, Rider University Student Blood Council president. “New Jersey is in urgent need for blood donor participation.”
All students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to donate blood in the Student Recreation Center seminar room on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. Members of the local community (over the age of 17) are also welcome to participate. The entire donation process, from registration onward, typically lasts about an hour.
The drives comes just a few days after Valentine’s Day. “What better way to continue help spreading the love then by sharing blood, the gift of life?” Caravello says.
All donors will receive a free T-shirt and be entered into a Valentine-themed raffle for two. The Community Blood Council of New Jersey will also enter any donor with a valid Rider ID into a raffling of Katy Perry concert tickets.
The Red Cross estimates that 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but less than 10 percent actually do. Those who have never given blood before are encouraged to consider donating for the first time. Blood transfusions save 4.5 million American lives each year. Just one donation can help save the lives of up to three people, according to the Red Cross.
“Not only will you feel good knowing that you have helped change a life, your act of kindness will work wonders and be greatly appreciated by the lives you have touched,” Caravello says.
For more information, contact Caravello at [email protected].