The School of Nursing teamed up with UP Regional Blood Center yet again to host a blood drive that is open to the Marquette community. The blood drive will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 30 and is located near 1100 Jamrich Hall. The units that are donated will stay in the U.P. and supply 13 hospitals in the area.
According to Nancy Maas, a nursing professor at NMU, the School of Nursing and the UP Regional Blood Center have been collaborating for around a decade.
“Students work with the blood center staff to plan for a blood drive each term as part of their clinic assignment. Students gain a lot of confidence in their organizational and leadership skills in coordination of this event,” Maas said.
Considering the severe blood shortage notice here in the Upper Peninsula that was announced by the blood center on Mar 17; it was no surprise the tradition of working together continued as they are in critical need O Negative, B Negative, A Negative, A Positive and AB Positive blood types.
“There is no substitute for blood. The only way we can get blood is by volunteer donations,” Rachel Heath, coordinator of blood collections at the center said. “Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood. We need the younger generation to start stepping up and taking place of the older generation to make sure our blood supply stays good.”
Heath stated that the donation process would meet pandemic guidelines. However, the process of the donation will not look different from the donor’s perspective. The entire process should take no longer than 15 minutes.
Donors from our community that participate in the drive will be entered into a raffle that boasts various gift cards from local businesses such as Aubree’s Pizza, Lakeshore Bike, Yoop-Phoria and more. There is also a $250 value prize that will go to the dorm or house that donates the most units.
Ali Ealovega, senior, nursing major and student coordinator of the blood drive, looks forward to the turnout from the community.
“As a nursing student, and an employee at the hospital- I see blood transfusions all the time. It’s amazing seeing that life given by someone who donated their time and energy and their health and they can pass that onto someone else …There is just no better gift,” Ealovega said.
Those that have been out in the community may have noticed there is a second blood drive being hosted the next day, Mar 31, by the Pre-Medical club. Ealovega stated that she was not sure what had happened but that it was certainly a small miscommunication.
“It’s actually going to be pretty different than ours. Ours is here on campus, so we’re more likely to get students …Theirs is at the YMCA and through the Red Cross, another wonderful organization,” Ealovega said. “I’m hoping they are both super successful and I would encourage those who can’t make it to ours to go to theirs.”
If you miss both blood drives, don’t worry. The School of Nursing hosts a blood drive every semester, as a way to give back to the UP community. To register for the School of Nursing’s and UP Regional Blood Centers blood drive, follow the online form. If you are unable to find a time that works for you, walk-ins are welcome.
For more information on the Pre-Medical clubs and Red Cross’s blood drive, follow their online flyer here. Those looking to set up an appointment can do so by following the link.
