The United States is currently facing an emergency blood shortage. In an effort to make donating blood more accessible to students, UIS hosts two blood drives per semester. The first blood drive of the Fall 24 semester occurred on Wednesday, September 4^th. Fifteen students signed up to donate blood between 12pm-5pm. At the event, students went through a screening process and then had their blood drawn. After making their donation, students had the option of being photographed with a sign sharing why they donated. President of the American Red Cros UIS Chapter, Lorelai Freese, provides more insight into the importance of donating blood and future opportunities at UIS.

                  Freese, a frequent blood donor herself, stresses the impact of donating blood. She says, “Donating blood is such a unique experience that allows participants to help others in need across the nation. A single blood donation can save up to three lives per unit donated. We also offer Power Red appointments at our blood drives, which allows donors to maximize their impact by donating twice the amount of red blood cells, safely.”

According to the American Red Cross, type O blood products are so low that in recent weeks distributions of this blood type have been reduced below what is needed by hospitals. Additionally, in the last twenty years, there has been a 40% decrease in the amount of blood donors overall. To show the impact of this, Freese shares that since July 1^st alone, the Red Cross National Blood Supply has fallen by more than 25%. This drastic decrease in the blood supply shows how incredibly important it is that those who are able to donate do so.

To allow donors to see their impact, the Red Cross allows people to track what happens to their donation. Freese shares “The American Red Cross ensures that every unit of blood gets to where it’s needed most, and you can even follow your blood journey through the Blood Donor app, allowing you to track the processing, storage, and distribution of your blood.”

If you missed your opportunity to donate blood during this past blood drive, you have another chance. Additional Blood Drives are scheduled at UIS on October 30^th, 2024, from 1:30pm to 6pm and on February 13^th, 2025, from 12pm-5pm in the Student Union Ballroom. An April date is also in the works. Appointments for these future blood drives can be scheduled today through the American Red Cross at redcrossblood.org or through the Blood Donor app. Free snacks and water are provided, and the Red Cross often has items to give away to their donors.

Lorelai Freese is also happy to be contacted with any questions. Freese encourages all to consider donating, stating, “If you have never donated blood before, and you are feeling nervous or you’re unsure about the process, you’re always encouraged to stop by and ask questions or just check out how everything works. The process is safe, and simple, and allows you to make a huge difference in the world. Donating blood makes you feel powerful because you know you made a difference to someone, somewhere.”