Although the sign posted on the door of Library Room L109 stated a later start time of 11 a.m., staff from Blood Centers of the Pacific began accepting donors just after 10:30 a.m. as part of their most recent blood drive Thursday, Sept. 10.
As nurses set up equipment for the next available donors, those waiting for their appointments sat in chairs and filled out questionnaires on laptops provided by the center, while others stood and watched, contemplating the possibility of donating themselves.
“I’m deadly afraid of needles,” said student William Forbes, focusing on the negative aspect of his potential involvement. While he is afraid of needles, the benefits of donating still sway his decision on whether to become involved or not.
“My sister has a really rare blood type, and I think I do too,” added Forbes. “I feel like by donating it will be a really good cause.”
In addition to being a “really good cause,” part-time professor Pat Martucci also stated to Forbes that another perk of donating blood is that, “it’s a good reason to have a good meal.”
For those who took time out of their schedule of classes or jobs that could not make the trip for a “good meal” following their donations, snacks and refreshments were provided by the center to help dealing with some of the effects of giving blood, including dizziness and fatigue.
In addition to the thought of potentially helping those in need, donors were also encouraged to sign up for the drive with the announcement of a prize to be awarded following the event, a Toyota Prius donated by Stevens Creek Toyota in San Jose.
“That’s a perk,” said student Christina Samuel, thinking of the idea of winning a new car, something different in her twelve years of being a donor. No stranger to the process, Samuel’s continuing effort is something she finds important to herself and those close to her.
“I have a friend who had chronic myeloid leukemia,” added Samuel, recalling her first time participating in a blood drive, “and that particular one happened to be one where they were going to try find people who matched him that could possibly donate. That was the beginning and I just haven’t stopped donating.”
With the average human body’s ability to continuously provide red blood cells, some donors take pride in this fact as they wait for their chance to donate once again.
“My body produces it,” said Martucci. “It’s something I can give away and help somebody out.”
The next blood drive scheduled at LMC will occur on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Those interested in donating at the next event are advised to schedule an appointment by visiting bloodheroes.com or contact Student Life at 473-7554.