The American Red Cross held a blood drive at Cerritos College on Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – the blood drive took place on the Student Center stage.
The blood drive was also supposed to continue on Nov. 21, but it wasn’t there and it was removed from the college calendar.
“We could always use volunteers,” Julie Franklin, a Red Cross worker, said, “If you are afraid of needles and you don’t feel like you can donate, you can help the Red Cross by being a volunteer.”
A few volunteers donated blood – then were given a quick snack and Christmas stockings as a thank you while they rested.
The Red Cross had partnered with hit TV show, “Friends” and put its brand logo on the socks that were given to donors at the drive.
The process for volunteers to donate blood is a simple process. An online volunteer board on the Red Cross website will simply assign volunteers on the application board.
According to Franklin, the entire process usually takes from about 45 minutes to an hour.
According to Margo, the manager of the Red Cross blood drive, a simple meal can go a long way in helping people donate blood. Margo didn’t give their full name.
“For the people that wanna donate blood, you wanna eat really well a few days or the week prior to coming in and donating blood – you need to drink a lot of water so you can be hydrated,” Margo elaborated.
“I went to school for a week to become a phlebotomist. Actually we have to practice with each other,” Sandra Morales, a Red Cross worker, said, “I would come to the Red Cross – I would be scared, but being there just calmed me down. It’s just nice. And I kind of go over it as well.”
Phlebotomists are medical professionals who draw blood from patients for analysis and other medical purposes like donation.
Depending on the college, university or event, there would typically be one person that arrives at the blood drive. Bigger events equal a higher chance of volunteers entering.
According to the Red Cross, donating blood is critical because one donation can save more than one life. Also According to the Red Cross, approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are required everyday in the U.S.
They also highlight how blood and platelets cannot be manufactured and can only be obtained through donation.
“I love working with people, helping them and keeping them safe. I applied for the Red Cross because I wanted to help them and help save lives – take care of people,” Franklin said.
“You’re doing a good deed – saving lives,” Margo said.
