Event drives students, faculty to donate

Fullerton College students and staff gave back to the community through the two-day Red Cross' Blood Donor affair last week.

The event ran from Wednesday morning until Thursday evening, gathering massive amounts of blood from FC students.

Associated Student President Peter Cornett reported a total of 218 units of blood as being collected.  This breaks the previous FC record as most units collected in a two day span. 

“Just this morning they collected about 40 good units of blood. It was very busy,” said Efcee Fajardo, RN team supervisor.

Cornett added that this semester’s blood drive event saw a 200 percent gross increase from last year.

The large amount of blood collected is estimated to be able to save about 654 lives, according to American Red Cross representatives.

A donor must meet the age and weight requirement of at least 18 years and 110 pounds. In addition, one must not have travelled to areas with high levels of malarious activity in the recent months As well, a donor cannot currently be taking prescribed antibiotics.

“I’ve been donating a while. I feel it’s my duty,” said Matthew Solomona, FC student and avid blood donor.

Last week’s donor days brought an overwhelming amount of Hornet students to donate. Cornett reported having to turn away several students because more showed up than the available staff was capable of helping.

The American Red Cross continues to hold blood drives on a regular basis. “We go to businesses and colleges like this when we are asked,” Fajardo said.

FC holds blood drives with the Red Cross every semester.  Cornett estimates the next blood donor event will be held in the Spring.

Although FC’s fall semester blood drive has passed, Fajardo encourages students to continue contributing at various permanent donation centers in the area.

The Donation Center on Rosecrans Avenue in Fullerton will be having a blood drive tomorrow and Friday with various hours. Visit givelife.org to schedule
an appointment.

For more information on upcoming blood drives or donation center hours, check the American Red Cross website.

“I want to thank all of you who participated in the event, donated blood and saved lives,” said Cornett. “I hope future blood drives get even more interest from the
student body.”