A record number of 740 Washington University community members signed up to donate blood on Sept. 16. Today–56 days later–those same donors will be able to harness what the blood drive’s organizers call their “renewable energy” by donating again.

The idea of renewable energy has become the theme of the University’s blood drive.

“We came up with the slogan, ‘Renewable Energy,’ when we started to think about how blood is one of the easiest and most tangible ways to help save lives,” blood drive coordinator Michael Dango said. “Blood is the fuel that keeps us going, and it’s easy to share. We like the idea that blood donation can become a commitment people can ‘renew’ every 56 days.”

The blood drive will be held at the Gargoyle in Mallinckrodt Center, Ursa’s Fireside and the Swamp. Donating stations have also been set up on the Medical Campus and West Campus.

Dango, a junior, noted the accessibility of these sites, and said the only thing people need to do now is to donate.

“Every two seconds, someone needs blood. That means more than a third of us will end up needing a blood transfusion some day,” he said. “One single blood donation makes a tangible difference in someone’s life. In fact, one blood donation can save three lives, be-cause blood is separated into three components—red blood cells, platelets and plasma—each of which can go toward a person and a good cause.”

For Dango, donating blood is especially important at this time of year, but few go through the effort.

“The need for blood is constant, especially with the upcoming holiday travels that increase accidents and the need for donations. Sadly, 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate, but only five percent does,” he said.

In addition, Dango said that college students are in good enough health to donate, and should view it as a sort of obligation.

“Students should consider donating blood, because I think it’s really…a civil responsibility,” Dango said. “There are lots of people who can’t donate, and there are lots of people who need donations, so it just makes sense to take an hour out of our day to help save a life.”

The blood drive encourages potential donors to sign up online for appointments at www.communityservice.wustl.edu/donateblood/schedule/.

Those who have already signed up to donate, or are thinking about donating, should remember to eat foods high in iron, such as spinach or raisins, and drink a large amount of water to replace the fluid volume lost when donating. Donors should also eat a meal before going to donate and eat a snack after donating.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 at 8:22 pm and is filed under Campus Events, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through this feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.