By: Tarah Jeannis, contributing writer
On September 24, 2012, blood donation buses parked outside of the Saint Leo cafeteria encouraged students to donate blood. These blue buses make a few appearances every year to bring students an opportunity to practice the core value of community.
“This brings awareness about the necessity of blood,” says phlebotomist Marlena Philips. “Donating blood is an excellent way to give back to the community.”
These buses are fully equipped with trained phlebotomists who make students feel safe and sure about their choice to donate blood. “I know I’m doing it for a good cause,” says senior Sarah Coffin-Karlan.
Besides supporting the core value of community, students also receive a free mini physical which consist of checking a student’s pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels. Students are asked to donate blood as the demand for it in the United States continues to rise. Every blood donation ends up helping someone who needs it.
“I absolutely love it. Every pint helps three people, [so]I’m helping three people,” says sophomore Erin Morrales.
So next time you see the blood donation buses, take some time out of your schedule to help the community. This safe process takes less than an hour.
