What if you knew that in just half an hour you could help save up to three lives?
An upcoming blood drive in Buffalo State University’s Houston Gym is one of the simplest ways students can provide lifesaving support to their community.
The event will be held on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is hosted by Buffalo State Athletics and operated by ConnectLife. All donors will receive $5 in Moe’s Bucks that can be redeemed at any local Moe’s Southwest Grill location.
“ConnectLife’s been a corporate partner of ours’ for several years,” said Jeff Ventura, BSU Officer in Charge of Athletics. “So we have an agreement to host two blood drives a year for them, one per semester.”
ConnectLife has a focus on helping neighbors help neighbors. According to their website, they have been the primary supplier of blood to more than 75% of the Western New York community since 2007.
“It’s important because all the blood stays in Western New York and benefits our community,” Ventura said.
Blood from one donor has the potential to impact three other lives. Donated blood may be separated into plasma, platelets, and red blood cells which each serve a different purpose depending on the transfusion needed.
Blood drives are especially important now. The American Red Cross declared an emergency blood shortage in July after their national blood inventory dropped by more than 25%.
This past summer’s record high temperatures across much of the U.S. impacted donor turnout at hundreds of blood drives throughout the season “in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood,” according to a press release from the Red Cross in August.
“From the summertime to now has been a lot slower than normal,” said Danielle LaPress, manager of the ConnectLife Southgate Blood Donation Center, “but that goes in spurts.”
More recently, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have impacted many blood drives. It is commonly believed that more donors are needed to help those injured in natural disasters and in need of blood transfusions, but it is more often the case that blood drives and donation appointments are cancelled amidst severe weather.
“Unfortunately, while the supply may dip, the need never does,” said Michael Tedesco, Communications Director of the Red Cross.
According to the National Library of Medicine, less than 5% of the U.S. population donates blood on a regular basis despite 60% of the population being eligible. Those eligible can donate as often as every 8 weeks.
Mobile blood drives are one way ConnectLife is able to recruit more regular donors, according to LaPress.
ConnectLife runs four blood drives on campus each year, two through the Athletics Department. Athletes are especially encouraged to donate at these drives.
“We try hard to get any of our athletes that are not in season to donate,” Ventura said. “That’s why we hold one each semester, so we can fill in those gaps.”
Incentives like the Moe’s bucks provided at Buffalo State’s drive have become a common way to draw in more donors.
Different perks are available each month for donors at ConnectLife donation centers. Buffalo Bills or Sabres merchandise are gifts commonly in rotation as both teams are partnered with ConnectLife.
Those who work to collect blood at both mobile drives and donation centers understand that people are often wary of needles and giving blood. They recommend bringing headphones or something to help donors stay relaxed.
“It’s a short time frame that the needle’s in the arm,” said LaPress. “So stay focused on why you’re wanting to do it ‘cause that could be enough to get you through the process.”
Ventura believes that blood drives are a community effort, and community is a part of Buffalo State’s mission in a way that perhaps sets it apart from other area schools.
“We hope our students recognize that a tiny amount of discomfort can save a life in our community,” he said.
Appointments for the blood drive at Houston Gym can be made online. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Proper photo ID is required to donate, as well as a short physical exam.
