One out of every 10 people admitted to a hospital needs blood. On April 30, 58 students helped save these people’s lives with their donations to the Stanford Blood Center Drive, a biannual event hosted by the community commission.
The event went on from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. in the Small Gym, which allowed students to choose the most convenient time to go. Students, however, first had to meet a few requirements.
According to head commissioner Daryl Chang, volunteers must not have traveled to a third-world country within the year, must have been at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and have high amount of hemoglobin in their blood.
Many students with a fear of needles were frightened at the idea of donating blood, but many were inspired by the idea of potentially saving the lives of others.
“I donated blood because I figure that 30 minutes of my time can give someone else 30 years,” said senior Steven Sung, a second time donor.
According to Chang, the “Pint for A Pint” program gave donors a gift certificate for a pint of ice cream at Baskin Robbins, in addition to stickers, cookies and drinks.
The commission recruited volunteers by posting flyers throughout the campus and by creating a Facebook event.
“Overall, we had a successful blood drive that went smoothly,” Chang said.