The American Red Cross visited Taylorsville Redwood Campus for a blood drive last week, and the turnout was remarkably low.
According to Jose Romero, who was in charge of the blood drive at Salt Lake Community College, only 17 students signed up at this year’s campus blood drive. Romero explained many of the reasons why it is important for not only our student body, but every citizen who is able to donate to the Red Cross.
With only one donation, an individual will able to aid up to three people in need. Each donation is separated in to three components: platelets, plasma, and red cells, and sent to where it is needed across the country.
Understanding the importance of these donations should play a huge factor in where one donates.
While local plasma centers do pay for donated plasma, the plasma given is also used in other private ventures such as cosmetics and various research. Unfortunately, along with the recent rise of plasma centers giving cash to those who donate, as well as just general uninterest, there has been a steady decline in donorship over the years. This has hindered efforts of the Red Cross, forcing the organization to look for donations wherever they are able to.
This is the third blood drive Romero has organized at SLCC, and they hold blood drives at Brigham Young University bi-weekly just to receive suitable donations.
As understandable as Romero was to the plight of SLCC students, he and all who receive said donations, are appreciative. Even if it’s just one person who donates, the help is tremendous to those in need.
