The Monmouth University Interfraternity Council will be hosting a blood drive in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health Monmouth Medical Center on Thursday, Oct. 5. This event will take place in the Rebecca Stafford Student Center in Anacon side “B”Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. RWJ Barnabas visits Monmouth University regularly, but still so many students do not know about this event and the impact they can have on people in need.
Michael Leviton, an employee at Robert Wood Johnson for five years and in the blood services sphere for over 18 years, discussed the importance of blood donation. Levinton says he has personally “been affected in multiple situations with family members needing blood transfusions,” which has led him to his dedication to blood services and blood donations around the state.
The Robert Wood Johnson blood drive visits Monmouth University four times a year—twice in the fall and twice in the spring. Donating blood is a simple action that can save many lives, according to Leviton. “Each single blood donation can impact up to two patients,” said Leviton. “Some of these patients could be premature babies, people in car accidents, and those with cancer.”
“Everyday hundreds of New Jersey residents need blood transfusions,” Leviton further explained. Despite this, “Less than 3% of the population actually donates blood.” After blood is given, it takes three days to test and prep the blood to be able to give to a person in need, which demonstrates the importance of donating before a tragedy occurs. Robert Wood Johnson Blood Services keeps all the blood they collect in New Jersey for local patients, meaning individuals are able to help those within their own communities.
For those apprehensive about donating blood, the procedure is straightforward. After arriving at the blood drive, some form of identification will be needed, such as a driver’s license or student ID, as well as a good relationship with needles. Some paperwork must be completed, and a quick fingerprick will check for eligibility as well as blood type. If eligible, then blood can be drawn for donation with assistance from a nurse.
Following the appointment, snacks and drinks are provided to keep donors replenished and comfortable after their blood has been drawn. When everything is done, it’s normal to be required to wait about ten minutes or so before leaving to monitor any side effects.
A simple process that takes up to an hour can impact so many people’s lives. All donors on Oct. 5 will receive a $5 coffee gift card, Jersey Mike’s subs, and a chance to win one of four $25 Wawa gift cards. If interested in donating blood this week or at the drive after on Dec. 4, please contact Michael Leviton at michael.leviton@rwjbh.org. As Leviton says and others said, “The greatest gift that you can give is the gift of life!”
