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Students of the University of Maine gathered at Memorial Union, waiting anxiously in lines to donate blood. The Red Cross Blood Drive, held by the Black Bear Volunteers, took place in the Multi-Purpose Room of Memorial Union on Wednesday and Thursday last week. This year, roughly 250 units of blood were donated.
The overall response exceeded expectations, according to Kevin Taschereau, a graduate assistant for Volunteer Programs who is working towards a master’s degree in higher education. UMaine is known for generating a great response from students as well as faculty members, and has a reputation for hosting one of “the biggest blood drives in the area,” said Taschereau. He stated that 170 people had signed up on Wednesday alone, and that “it is generally busier on the second day.”
Students donated not only blood, but their time as well. Eighteen volunteers worked two at a time for approximately two hours, helping donors and more than 20 Red Cross workers. Jill Mitchell, a first-year student majoring in nursing, learned about the event through FirstClass. She wanted to do more than donate her blood. “It’s a great opportunity to observe and work at this type of event.”
Nate Sands, a first-year nursing major, and Meghan Whitney, a fourth-year botany major, both donated for the first time on Thursday. “The event is running smoothly,” said Sands. “Everyone is really nice and helpful.”
Not everyone was able to step up, as roughly 30 people passed on their appointments.
Registration closed at 5 p.m., but blood was still being collected until 7 p.m. both days. Taschereau’s main concern in the operation of the drive was decreasing the wait time. While waiting in line for confidential medical history interviews, donors were entertained with magazines and the movie “Click,” compliments of the Campus Activities Board.
Students heard the call of civic duty just in time. The Boston Globe printed on Wednesday that there was an urgent request for blood donations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut. Shipments have dropped 50 percent, and inventories have decreased by 3,000 pints since the beginning of September.
Maine went above and beyond, asking donors to give two units of red blood cells. Donating two units of red blood cells results in a better overall experience. The process allows medical volunteers to use a smaller needle, leaving the donor more hydrated. By donating less blood volume than with whole blood donation, the donor can give two donations worth of blood in a single visit.
Taschereau testified that the drive was without problems or complications. He sent special thanks to “Campus Activities and all of the volunteers and donors that made this blood drive a huge success.”
Brothers of Delta Tau Delta made appearances, helping out their alumnus Taschereau.
Lynette Dexter, assistant director of the office of student employment and the Bodwell Center, was also involved in the organization of the blood drive. Students interested in helping out at future blood drives can contact her via FirstClass. There will be two more blood drives year on November 15, and February 21.
Bangor Daily News