Students take the time to donate to the Red Cross

On September 28^th, 2011 the Red Cross came to UB for blood donations. Students, staff and Bridgeport residents came to show their support because "it is a good thing to do," said sophomore Nayibel Garcia.

It was Garcia's first time donating blood; she was beyond nervous and tried to keep her attention on those that sat near her instead of the patients behind her that were lying on beds while a pint of blood was collected. Last year, Garcia could not donate blood because she had recently got a tattoo. She was very disappointed, but knew she would one day be able to experience what it was like to donate blood.

Ron Fraser, one of the phlebotomists on site at the event, bustled around from patient to patient making sure they were comfortable and that the blood drawing was going smoothly. He has worked with the Red Cross for two and a half years and as a medical technician for four years.

Fraser filled in the blanks about some peculiar things that occur to some of us when in the process of donating. The most popular fact is the body needs to be well hydrated in order for the blood to move quickly. However, there are some donors that are stuck longer than most looking at the ceiling wondering why this is taking so long? Those who exercise regularly may be dehydrated and can cause slow blood movement through the tube connected to the arm. Also, a person should eat before donating; it would make the process so much more enjoyable by simply making the body not feel weak or dizzy after the blood is taken. Lastly, some are worried that the doctors are not trained well enough. According to Fraser, "all staff is very highly trained and tested every three months." With such a response one can see that the Red Cross takes their business very seriously.

Of course, among the first timers there are veterans. Keenan Drayton is a resident of Bridgeport who is 21 and has donated ever since he was 18 years old and still sees room in his future to donate some more. Drayton is such a charitable, loyal guy that the Red Cross called him in to the University to donate his blood. He feels that by donating "he is giving back to the community," said Drayton.

Drayton exaggerated on the fact that the Red Cross goes the extra mile in caring for others. He believes that we all have to play a role in helping the Red Cross accomplish their goals. A citizen so dedicated in helping out any little way possible, opened the doors of hope to others in his community.