Students give gift of life

By Celina Holmes

Last Tuesday 136 Santa Clara students gathered in Brass Rail to donate blood during the university's quarterly Blood Drive.

Santa Clara students and faculty accounted for 119 units of blood, a total that exceeds the average of other universities in the South Bay region.

The Blood Centers of the Pacific, servicing 38 Bay area hospitals, typically averages a collection of 50 units per blood drive from participating South Bay schools including, Canada College, City College of San Mateo and De Anza College.

Tending to the blood donors was Residential Nurse and project coordinator Patricia Laughon. Laughon estimated that at least 50 or 60 donors had volunteered to donate blood by mid-day.

"So far, it's been a pretty good turnout," said Laughon. "It's been a pretty busy drive."

Donors participated between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Student donors arrived with backpacks slung over shoulders and were tagged by distinguishing neon pink, green and blue bandages.

Advertisement for the blood drive circulated in the form of flyers, e-mails and word of mouth.

"I saw it advertised in an e-mail," said junior Jimmy Carlucci. "I had time. I feel like it's a good thing. It's in demand. And why not if I can help contribute for people who need it?" Freshman Michelle Newman, who has consistently donated blood every six months, shared a similar reason for donating blood: "I donate because I'm hoping it will help someone."

Newman, who acknowledged herself to be the only one donating blood from her floor in Campisi, noted, "I think not enough people give blood because they're scared. Some people don't make an effort, but should realize that it's a small price to pay."

This "small price," in truth, goes a long way, according to Cowell Health Center Residential Nurse Peggie Robinson.

"It's easy to do," said Robinson, who has been the clinic manager for the last two years. "Donating blood serves local communities and people are in need of blood transfusions," she said. "By having these blood drives we try to increase awareness and give back to the community."

Freshman Seanan Palmero expressed the same opinion.

"My blood type is common, and I feel that a lot of people could use my blood," he said. "I feel donating blood is like a random act of kindness, and it's a way to give back to someone who you will never know. It 's a good way to support people."

One pint of blood can help three people say Cowell reresentatives. Donating blood can save lives, as blood transfusions are needed every three seconds, according to the American Red Cross.

Residential Nurse Dana Bass, commented that in all of his three years working at the blood bank, "Every single donor is memorable."

Such memorable donors include Andy Mauro, a Santa Clara senior who has donated blood over 10 times. "[It's] A small price to pay for snacks and juice," Mauro said.