ty students should help show their pride and beat Michigan Technological University by donating blood next week.
The Volunteer Center and the NMU football team are hosting the NMU vs. MTU blood drive from noon until 5:45 p.m on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Peter White Lounge in the University Center.
Donors will receive a free snack after donating and a chance to win a ticket voucher from Schepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry.
This will be the 13th year in a row for the competition. NMU won the first one, lost 10 years in a row and then won last year.
Nik Krawczyk, assistant coordinator of the Volunteer Center worker, said he would like to win again this year and start a winning streak for NMU.
According to Krawczyk, there aren’t that many requirements for giving blood and there are many good reasons to do so.
“You have to be over 18, in good health and have a valid photo identification,” Krawczyk said. “If you are unsure about something, you can ask the nurse.”
Some people think that they are ineligible to give blood because they have studied abroad or visited another country recently, but in most cases it doesn’t matter, Krawczyk said.
“Hundreds of thousands of people need blood every day,” he said. “One pint can save a lot of people.”
Krawczyk also believes there is some psychological value to donating blood.
“You know that what you are doing is helping people,” Krawczyk said. “Giving a pint might make you feel nauseous, but it’s doing a lot of good.”
Sara Smolucha, a junior nursing student, said she feels the same way.
“It’s a simple act that anyone can do and it’s an easy way to save a life with hardly any effect on you, besides a needle poke,” Smolucha said.
The Student Nursing Association, which Smolucha is a member of, has volunteers take donors vital signs. Then they fill out a small amount of paperwork before they donate.
She volunteers for the experience and the opportunity to be involved with the campus and community.
After she is done volunteering, she donates blood herself.
As for it being a competition, Smolucha said, it isn’t the sole reason people donate, but viewing it as a competition doesn’t hurt.
She also wants people to know that this blood drive isn’t just for students.
“Every person should donate once in their life,” Smolucha said. “I know that it’s not for everyone and that there are some people that are unable to do it.
“So people should donate for those that can’t.”
Regarding the competition, Smolucha, said she is sure NMU will win.
“We have an active student body and when we are challenged, we will rise up to it and succeed,” she said.
Part of that student body is the NMU football team, and according to Krawczyk, the “backbone” of the blood drive.
Trever Kruzel, a junior on the team, said that there is always a need for blood.
“I’m a healthy guy. Whatever I can do to help someone, I will do,” Kruzel said. “Some guys get a little pale from the needles, but everyone is glad they did it in the end.”
