Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: Campus News

Students spent their time saving lives on Wednesday by participating in an American Red Cross blood drive, sponsored by Alpha Sigma Phi. The drive brought in 100 productive donors, according to Mike Lutkenhouse, blood drive coordinator. Mike Lutkenhouse is also editor-in-chief of the Castle Point Journal. According to Red Cross estimates, these donors equate to up to 300 saved lives, such as cancer patients, a teenager who has been in an accident, or a premature infant. Andy Scagnelli, another Alpha Sigma Phi member, guessed that around 130 people attempted to give blood. Of these, approximately 30 were disqualified from donating because of preexisting medical conditions or safety concerns. For example, the Red Cross will not accept blood from donors who lived in countries where Malaria is present because the blood markers for that disease may not show up until after the blood is tested for usefulness. Some students, who wished to remain anonymous, complained about the bedside manner of the nurses and their skill with a needle. One student complained, "I've never felt pain before in the many times I've donated blood, but this nurse made it hurt like hell." Scagnelli however commented that "...any discomfort experienced while giving blood is completely worth the benefits of saving lives." The New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania region of the Red Cross, of which we are a part, has under half the national average supply of O- blood, according to the Red Cross's pleasegiveblood.org web site. It is thus especially important for people to give blood right now. "If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the blood drive, please don't just keep them to yourself. Help us save more lives by improving the quality of our blood drive by email to mlutkenh@stevens.edu," Lutkenhouse said.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools