Microbiology senior Nicholas Roof holds a stress ball after Lansing resident Rebecca Durham finishes inserting a needle during a blood drive Feb. 5, 2014, at Holmes Hall. The American Red Cross held the blood drive as part of the Blood Battle against Michigan. Sierra Lay/The State News
The American Red Cross recently declared an “urgent need” for blood donors, which coincides with a blood drive competition that pits MSU against rival University of Michigan.
In a statement issued Monday, the Red Cross said its blood supply is short more than 25,000 units because January winter storms forced the cancellation of about 770 blood drives.
With the shortage, all blood collected in Michigan during January was distributed to hospitals as soon as it came in, said Todd Kulman, a Red Cross communications manager. “It’s the blood on the shelves now that saves lives when we have emergency situations,”he said.
Students helped recoup blood supply by donating at on-campus drives on Wednesday for the competition, which ends on Feb. 28.
No preference freshman Alex Dworman, who gave blood, said the near-painless “pinch” of the needle and the short time it takes to donate is well worth it. “The reward is greater than the cost,” Dworman said. “Donating blood is really not a big deal, but at the same time, it’s one of the best things you can do.”
Red Cross registered nurse Jodie Miller said during her time working in a hospital, she witnessed how crucial hospital blood reserves are.
“Being a registered nurse, you really have that feeling of how important it is,” Miller said.
Even with the snowstorm Wednesday, about 27 people donated at Hannah Administration Building blood drive. Miller said the resilience of donators always surprises her.
“It’s always surprising on days like this, when you think people won’t show and they do,” Miller said.
The on-campus blood drives were sponsored by an MSU student club, the Pre-Physical Therapy Association.
Association President and kinesiology senior Molly Robbins said they’re encouraging students to donate because of the need and loss against U-M last year.
“Last year we lost, so we’re really encouraging our members to get out and beat U-M,” Robbins said.
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