The importance of donating blood is underestimated by some and disregarded by many. Donating blood is more significant than people realize; those in need of surgery as well as those with severe diseases and injuries are the primary recipients of donated blood. In fact, your own classmates may one day be in need of a blood transfusion.
Monmouth University offered a blood drive on Tues., Jan. 23 and Weds., Jan. 24, located in Anacon Hall of the student center. Here are just a few reasons why donating blood should be considered by Monmouth’s own students and staff.
First off, the most significant benefit of donating blood is helping others in need. In fact, taking only ten minutes out of your day to donate can help save multiple lives and inspire others to donate as well. Not only is donating blood beneficial to the recipient, but it can also be very rewarding to the donor. According to the American Red Cross, your blood pressure, hemoglobin count, and body temperature will be checked before you donate; you can think of it as a free check-up.
Afterwards, all donors can help themselves to a variety of free snacks; now that’s an offer you can’t refuse! Not to mention, there’s no refusing the feeling of accomplishment gained after knowing that you can make a world of difference in so many people’s lives.
Donating blood is especially important to senior software engineering student Matthew Drew. Regarding his experience at the blood drive, he shared, “I’ve donated blood so many times… everyone can do it, and I had a great time.” Donating blood can have a personal value to some, including a friend of Drew’s, who relied on blood donations for a heart transplant. It is especially rewarding to donate blood knowing that you are giving back to a close friend or family member.
Freshman accounting student Sandra Chen also takes time out of her day to save a life in the form of blood donation. “So far, I’ve donated blood four times,” reported Chen. “The Central Jersey Blood Center has a loyalty program, where every time you donate blood, you get points.” These points can be redeemed online for a variety of prizes such as gift cards and T-shirts. Not only is donating blood beneficial for those receiving it, but you can also get rewarded for your selfless act. Upon joining the community on The Central Jersey Blood Center’s website, you can gain points after donating, for taking an online follow-up survey, and for donating on bonus days, which usually fall on holidays.
Specialist professor of biology Dr. Jeffrey Weisburg delved further into the importance of blood transfusions. He explained that those with hemophilia, a condition that prevents the normal clotting of blood, “need transfusions that just contain the clotting factors. There are other [components] that they take from blood, not just red blood cells.”
When asked about his position on donating, Weisburg responded, “It is very important… I think everyone should who is able to should donate.” Everyone who has the ability to donate their own blood holds the power to save so many lives.
If you wish to donate blood and be a lifesaver, take advantage of the next blood drive opportunity. On Tues., April 3, Monmouth will be hosting a blood drive from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in Anacon Hall of the student center.
On Tues., June 5, a mobile bus will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As long as you make sure you eat well before the donation and meet certain eligibility requirements, such as the weight minimum of 120 pounds, you can arrive to the donation knowing you will save a life. If you are unable to donate, do not fear! You still have the opportunity to make a difference by encouraging others to donate, as well as joining the community and becoming a volunteer at a blood drive near you.
IMAGE TAKEN from iStock.com
