By Lexi Palma '13
Siena College hosted its annual September Blood Drive and collected a record breaking 249 units of blood.
“This year we exceeded our goal and beat last September’s collection, which in itself was a record,” said Judy Dougherty ’06, Associate Director of the Franciscan Center for Service & Advocacy.
Last year’s September Blood Drive collected 247 units. Since 2009, donations have increased each year. Siena College has held the New York state college blood drive record for the past three years.
“We’re very happy about our past blood drive success,” said Ashley Yackeren ’13, President of Siena’s American Red Cross Club. “We are very proud of Siena's blood drive record.”
The American Red Cross Club’s main goal is to provide Red Cross services to the local community and Siena College campus through student-led volunteer work.
The Red Cross Club was happy with the turnout for the school year’s first blood drive, which included participation from 86 first-time donors. The blood collected could potentially save 747 lives.
“Every two seconds someone in the US needs blood,” said Dougherty. “Your donation could save three adults or eight babies.”
Siena’s next blood drive is scheduled for Tuesday, December 4th.
