American Red Cross asks GWC students to donate their blood.
By Temuria Patton
Western sun staff writer
Golden West College partnered with the Huntington Beach southern region of the American Red Cross and challenged the students of GWC to educate the campus about donating blood to save lives.
The American Red Cross was on campus from Nov. 15-17 in an effort to accumulate as much blood as possible. Most of the staff members were on duty for hours but were pleased to see so many willing participants donating for a cause.
As with a typical blood donation, there are health and safety guidelines to follow in order to contribute, such as eating a healthy dinner the night before and getting a good night’s sleep.
Nearly a decade since both GWC and the American Red Cross have partnered together, the two have gained about 125,000 platelets of blood collected on campus.
80 percent of all blood donated to the American Red Cross is contributed by mobile blood drives at colleges, high schools or other community establishments. A survey taken by the American Red Cross says 31 percent of donated blood comes from first time donors, likely at the aforementioned blood drives. A common reason indicated by those unlikely to give blood is a fear of needles.
Adult participants received two tickets to the Laugh Factory, while minors received coupons to Acapulco Restaurant.
