By Kalli Colacino
Production Manager
Soft background music and smiling staff members created a warm and pleasant experience for donors at the blood drive sponsored by Delta Sigma Pi.
The blood drive was made possible by New York Blood Center, who set up camp in the Brower Student Center Room 100W.
The New York Blood Center is a community-based nonprofit organization that is focused on supplying blood to over 200 local hospitals in the tri-state area.
“Only two percent of eligible donors in New Jersey donate blood,” said Pat Colletti, a donor relations associate with the New York Blood Center.
Delta Sigma Pi reached out to the blood center and worked out the details to have the organization visit the College, which allowed students to donate blood right on campus.
“If you have donation services available, people are more likely to donate,” said Madison Pena, a freshman communication studies major.
Students were asked to fill out a short medical questionnaire before having a brief medical checkup, which consisted of taking blood pressure, temperature and checking iron levels. After this, students are able to donate, so long as they met the physical requirements.
A variety of food and beverages were available to students after donating, as tables and chairs were set up for the donors to relax and have snacks while they sat for the recommended 10 to 15 minutes before leaving.
At one point, there was a line out the door of students wanting to give blood.
“I volunteered at ‘Sister Pat’s Kids Camp,’ and all the kids there have rare blood diseases, so I like to do things like blood drives to help in any way I can,” said Allison Bronander, a freshman open options humanities and social sciences major.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, according to American Red Cross. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, traumatic injuries and much more. As little as one donation can save up to three lives. Since blood cannot be manufactured, volunteer donors are essential.
“We did this to engage the community and bring awareness to donating blood,” said Urja Sevak, a junior marketing and communications double major and member of Delta Sigma Pi.
Providing students with an accessible way to help their community is what Delta Sigma Pi aimed to accomplish by sponsoring the blood drive.
As a result, the New York Blood Center collected more than 30 pints of blood from the College community.
“I think it’s great that TCNJ supports these things,” Pena said. “It gives college students a chance to help others in a very convenient and welcoming way.”
