By George Gallardo, Staff Reporter
The CSUDH Clinical Science Club hosted a community blood drive at the Loker Student Union Ballroom on Nov. 26. The blood drive benefitted Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. At least 70 people donated blood, organizers said, including Carson residents and Toro students, faculty, and staff. Donors walked away with either a $10 Amazon gift card or commemorative t-shirt.
“The main goal is to help the other students, as well as helping save lives,” said senior clinical laboratory science student Micah Ligot, the Clinical Science Club’s public relations officer. “A big importance of that is just to have blood for the hospitals.”
In the United States, someone is in need of blood or platelets about every two seconds, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The Centers for Disease Control reports that the U.S. healthcare system needs approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells every day.
“I’ve had some blood donations that had to be done to the family, so I feel it’s just important,” said donor and first-year student Violet Cabello.
Despite the apparent altruism of blood donation, the idea still makes some people uneasy. Garcia told The Bulletin she often hears concerns about the procedure, specifically from people who feel squeamish around needles or at the sight of blood.
“They’re scared of how it’s going to hurt or whatnot – I always tell them, just think of the person who is needing the blood and they’re probably going through a lot more pain and discomfort, and you’re helping to heal them,” Garcia said. “Just think about that and your small little poke won’t be as big of a deal.”
The club’s next blood drive is scheduled for the spring semester, on Apr. 25. Ligot said these events are in service to the club’s mission.
“We like to have everybody stay connected and give us a chance to connect with Cedar-Sinai,” Ligot said. “We’re meeting the people behind it and how we could improve the healthcare system by providing donations.”
