Every day 29,000 units of red blood are needed in the U.S, according to the American Red Cross; with this significant need, Key Club prepares a September blood drive in addition to the annual fall and winter ones.
“We all know somebody who’s needed a blood transfusion at some point, whether it’s for accidents or chronic conditions. There’s always a big need. And this is something that’s easy to do, easy to give,” Key Club advisor Linda Craun said.
The blood drive will take place Sept 10 in the Performing Arts lobby from 9-1p.m. The goal is to collect 15 units which is smaller than the other two annual drives. However, according to Craun, this is a challenging time to get volunteers. To gain traction, blood drive committee leader, senior Ava Sinishtaj and the rest of the committee made posters spreading the word.
“I feel the blood drive is really important and it’s one of the biggest things we do as Key Club. So I thought being in charge of it would be fun,” Sinishtaj said.
Every lunch hour Sinishtaj manages a blood drive sign-up booth. Additionally, the key club instagram page @ikekeyclubucs posted this virtual link to the sign-up: https://donate.michigan.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/162763 . Only those 16 and older are eligible. As a note, those who are 16 require a form of consent. Both Craun and the committee eagerly request those eligible to take an hour out of their day to donate.
“Asking people to take that extra step out of their day is almost the hardest part,” Craun said. “Once you’re in the blood drive, it’s not hard at all, but getting people to commit an hour out of their day is the hardest part.”
Note: To read about Key Club’s last winter blood drive click here: Units of compassion – Ike News
