According to American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone needs blood. To help with this growing demand, Saint Leo University brought a Big Red Bus to campus on Sept. 6.
The University assists its community by offering a convenient way for students to donate blood to those in needs in the Tampa Bay area. A single mobile bus can help several hospitals save lives.
“We help out the community so we can meet our core value,” said Teresa Dadez, director of health services.
Blood could is used in many ways. Patients bound for surgery, auto accidents victims, trauma and cancer patients, and premature babies are just a few who utilize blood banks. Just one victim alone may require as many as 100 pints of blood.
Students needed only their SLU ID to donate blood. The process started with a free iron count and blood pressure, temperature, and cholesterol screening. Beds was provided for each person to relax on while their blood was taken. When all was said and done, students received a tT-shirt, as well as snacks and drinks to regain their energy after their donation was finished. This whole process took from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
“Blood will be tested first, then it will be transferred to hospitals in the area,” said Stephanie Pickett, donor services specialist. “All types of blood are needed but mostly O-negative.”
A group of seven students were in the bus around 2:30 p.m. They each had a different reason for donating.
“It’s always a good thing to donate blood. So if anyone needs blood at the time of an emergency, it will be available,” said Jerry Currie, Systems Administrator for the University’s Technology Services.
Some students had never donated their blood before, but others were no stranger to the process.
“This is my second time donating,” said Daniel Chacon, a junior.
No student left the bus unsatisfied. All who donated felt that they were giving back to their community and maybe even saving a life.
