UCC participating in race to save lives

By Barb Stephens · The Mainstream
Published April 20, 2010

The spring term blood drive is expected to be the largest that UCC has ever held.

According to Student Council Senator Kasey Biggs, UCC obtained more blood donations for the Red Cross winter event than ever before.

“The amount received in winter term possibly saved 147 lives or made a positive impact on 147 lives,” said Biggs.

According to Biggs, the Umpqua Community College Student Council is “taking the winter term victory to heart and would like to challenge students to surpass the winter figures by 5 percent, April 28 and April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.”

Those who wish to donate should sign up with an ASUCC Officer or Senator or drop in on the day of the blood drive.

Aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin (or hematocrit), are measured. Blood received is used not only for critical situations, although it is definitely used for that purpose, it also helps those suffering from blood disorders, dialysis and surgical needs. Some situations can cause people to become ineligible donors due to safety issues. These issues include low iron in the blood (anemia), any current illness, skin disorders and Diabetes, according to the American Red Cross.

Melissa Osborne, ASUCC President, said, “A huge difference between past drives and the drives we’ve seen this year are due to the hard work and passion that Kasey Biggs has put into it. The figures have changed exponentially due to Kasey and the others that gave so much to make this drive the best so far.”