Students and faculty lined up with open arms to donate blood to Ball Memorial Hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday in Teachers College and Arena Lounge. -รก
"I donate whenever there's a drive," senior Jill Seibert said. Seibert said she donates about three to four times a year.
"It's something we can give for free, and if it can save someone's life it's important," she said.
Barb Waters, the blood bank's support and operating manager, said they usually receive 25 to 30 units per drive. This week's drive, sponsored by the Ball State University Staff Council, generated 66 units.
The donated pints are given to a variety of people who are in need of the pints including cancer patients, surgical patients and accident victims, Waters said.
"Depending on the situation, someone could need anywhere between one and 20 pints," she said.
Ball Memorial receives approximately 9,000 pints annually from businesses, factories and high schools in the Muncie Community.
Waters said Ball State contributes 25 to 30 percent of the total distribution.
Before a person can donate, he or she must answer a series of questions, sign a release and pass a blood test.
"As long as they are honest with all their questions, there should not be a problem," Ball Memorial donor technician Kelli Davis said.
Terri Clevenger, Ball State payroll representative, was unable to give blood because her iron was too low. Clevenger's blood type is O-negative -- the universal donor.
"I will eat some meat tonight and probably be back tomorrow. I would hate to be in a place where people were needing blood," Clevenger said.
Ball Memorial holds blood drives about three to four times a month during the school year and about twice a month in the summer at Ball State.
The blood is run through a series of tests and must be used within 42 days.
"It's a life-saving responsibility," Waters said. "Every day we have needs that need to be met."
Waters encouraged anyone who is interested in donating to stop by Ball Memorial Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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