American Red Cross to conduct blood drives on campus this week

Just one of many blood drives at IU last year, the 14th annual IU Blood Donor Challenge raised 3,824 units of blood — enough to potentially save 11,298 lives.

That was during the fall, however. And while summertime may mean fewer students at IU, it doesn’t mean there’s less demand for donated blood in the area.

Despite the lower number of possible donors, the American Red Cross will conduct blood drives on campus this week.

On Monday, blood can be donated at Teter Residence Hall and, on Thursday, blood can be donated at Ballantine Hall.

Because it’s summer, Ashley Lesage, a donor recruitment representative, said it’s particularly important those who can donate blood actually do so.

Over 20 percent of the Red Cross’s blood supply comes from school drives, Lesage said.

“In the summertime, donations here drop by 53 percent with the absence of students,” she said. “Hopefully we can lean on IU faculty, staff and summer students to help with this shortage.”

Donated blood can be used for liver, kidney, heart and bone marrow transplants, as well as open heart surgeries, premature newborns, leukemia patients and burn victims.

“It is imperative that we continue to fulfill the needs of the medical community,” Lesage said.

At the Ballantine Hall drive, a $25 gas card will be raffled off to all presenting donors. In addition, donors will receive a snack, a drink and a chance to win a trip for four to Orlando. 

“This is a unique opportunity to help save a life and give back to a community where everyone can be assured that blood will be there if and when they need it,” LeSage said.

 — Jake New