By Evan Doan, News Editor
The Aquinas Athletic Department Blood Drive Jan. 21 – Photo by Joey Sutherlin
On Wednesday, Jan. 21 the Aquinas Athletic department held a student and faculty blood drive. “The goal was to get 15 usable donations which can help up to 45 people,” the Red Cross said. Aquinas was able to raise 21 donations, almost running out of the collection supplies Versiti, who ran the collection with the Athletic Department, brought in almost five hours.
The day did not start as planned. The event initially had low turnout and staff worried that the goal would not be reached. A couple people who had made appointments did not show up for them.
“Please give the gift of life and come on and donate blood,” said Joey Sutherlin in a social media post on Instagram. “It truly is the right thing to do and we could certainly use you.”
Shortly after the social media post, the blood drive started to gain momentum. Walk-ins started to show up faster than Versiti could handle and a line formed. There were not enough donation chairs to accommodate the influx of donors. Students and faculty waited for over an hour as the Versiti staff stayed past their 2:30 p.m. deadline to collect from whoever was willing to donate.
Dr. Duane Ambrose donating blood – Photo by Joey Sutherlin
The blood drive finished with 21 total donations, six more than the goal, but still disappointing to the Aquinas Athletics Department during this time of a national blood shortage. According to the Red Cross, a single victim of a car accident can require 100 units of blood, but the Aquinas is not going to just sit around.
“The Aquinas Athletic Department has always believed in serving something bigger than ourselves, and this blood drive at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center is a powerful reflection of that commitment,” Provost Dr. Terry Keller said. “This event exemplifies what Aquinas Athletics stands for — service, compassion, and leadership — while bringing our student-athletes, faculty, staff, and campus community together to support local hospitals and give the most meaningful gift of all: the gift of life.”
The next blood drive has been scheduled. “We are already set for a March Blood Drive on Wednesday March 18th,” Joey Sutherlin said. “With the success of January’s drive we have a donation goal of 18 units, but we really hope for nearly 30 units.” The next blood drive is tentatively planned to be held at Alksnis Sports and Recreation Building on the mezzanine.
Scheduling an appointment is the best way to donate, but walk-ins will be welcomed.
The Aquinas Athletic Department blood drive Jan. 21 – Photo by Joey Sutherlin
The Saint 