Blood drive collection highest of area schools

By Nate Swinton

Thirteen years ago Laurie Laird received donated blood when she had major back surgery. Last Thursday, she returned the favor by participating in Santa Clara's blood drive.

"I've been grateful that someone gave blood back then so I could receive it," said Laird, the program director for Sobrato. "I try to give blood whenever I can."

Thursday's event, cosponsored by the Health Center and Associated Students (AS), collected 103 units of blood from students, staff and faculty, breaking the school record for the amount of blood donated in one day.

The number of units collected was also the highest for any college or university in the Bay Area this year.

"I think it's an indication of how caring people are here," said Health Educator Laurie Lang, who oversaw the drive. "That's a big deal, to give a pint of blood."

Lang estimated that the drive drew close to 300 participants. All of the blood collected was given to the Blood Centers of the Pacific.

Thursday's event was the second blood drive sponsored by AS this year. President senior Joe McNally said the events of Sept. 11 inspired the organization to help out.

"We're always looking for different opportunities where we can get people interested in service activities," he said. "The Red Cross and other organizations across the board still needed blood so we thought we'd give students another opportunity to help out."

Much of the blood donated across the nation after Sept. 11 could not be used because blood cannot be stored for long periods of time. Lang said this fact made Thursday's event all the more important.

"The need for blood is still critical," she said. "A lot of people after Sept. 11 wanted to donate right away and then forgot about it. People here on campus didn't forget."

Junior Katlyn Moran was one of these people.

"I thought donating blood would help people affected by the Sept. 11 tragedy," she said.

Despite sacrificing 40 minutes of her time and receiving a large bruise on her arm from where the blood was drawn, Moran said she intends to donate agin.

"Anyone who might want to use my blood can have it. I don't care," she said.

Junior Rebecca Smith was a first-time donor. She said donating blood was an opportunity for her to aid others in need.

"It was something I always wanted to do, and I felt like it was something good to do for the community," she said.

Santa Clara's third and final blood drive will take place on Monday, April 15 in the Brass Rail. Announcements for the event will be posted beginning in March.