On September 16th, students at Lake Land came together to help the local community by donating blood. Organized by the Student Government Association (SGA), students were able to donate blood in the Foundation Conference Room, receiving free snacks and a t-Shirt.
At the end of the donation period, there were 28 donors, with three being first time donors. Overall, 25 units of blood were collected, helping the injured, chemotherapy patients and others in need.
These blood drives occur at Lake Land College about two to three times per year, with a goal of about 30 donors per drive. The process to donate is simple: come in with an ID, fill out some paperwork, and, if eligible, donate. You can also download the American Red Cross app, where you can fill out any forms ahead of time and check in using your donor ID.
Allison Meese, president of the SGA, also pointed out that people have the option to donate “power red”, where twice the amount of blood cells is donated. This is “definitely something we need more of”, she said.
Whether you decide to donate regular blood or “power red”, you are making a difference in the community. There will be another drive next semester, giving others more opportunities to donate. If you have any doubts, remember the words of Connor Garofano: “Just go ahead and do it”.
