The Bleed for a Cause blood drive brought students, staff and volunteers together at Citrus College on Oct. 28 for a day of giving that reached beyond campus. Hosted by the newly formed American Red Cross Club, the event marked the first blood drive held on campus in nearly five years.
The blood drive was held inside the Student Services building students were encouraged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to help fight the ongoing national shortage. Organizers said more than 30 students scheduled appointments ahead of time, with several others walking in to participate.
“The American Red Cross hasn’t hosted a blood drive on campus in about five years. Donating blood shows that you care for your community. You’re helping someone you may never meet, and one pint of blood can help at least three people,” said Gabby Schwab, president of the Citrus College Red Cross Club and a second-year biology student.
For first-time donor Tyrence Nanong-Rosano, encouragement and compassion motivated the decision to participate.
“My friend Dan told me to donate it. I’m also a caregiver, so I work at a facility.” Nanong-Rosano said. “It means a lot because there’s a lot of kids that need help, and I’m happy that I could be one of those people.”
The drive also offered students a chance to learn more about the donation process. Irma Vazquez, part of the blood collection team, said many students arrived nervous but were surprised by how smooth the process was.
“People think they’ll contract diseases or infections, but that’s not true,” Vazquez said. “The process usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour, and the blood is processed at our Pomona hub within five to seven days before being sent to hospitals.”
Vazquez added that she hopes more students will learn how impactful donations can be.
“It actually saves lives, and you never know when one of your family members will need it,” she said.
