The Communication Studies Club hosted the fall Red Cross blood drive Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Thursday, November 5 in Alumni Hall. The Communications Studies Club sponsors the drive twice a year, each November and March to get Gustavus students involved in donating and serving others. It also helps contribute in giving back to the community.

“Last year we had a great year and continue to try and increase our goals”
—Cassandra Lindquist

“We have been sponsoring the blood drive for many years. The Communications Studies Department thought it would be a great way to give back to the community,” Communications Club President Cassandra Lindquist, a senior Communication Studies and Management double major said.

Prior to each blood drive, the Red Cross gives the club a target goal of having 75 to 90 people donate each day. In past years, they’ve been successful in reaching their goal and look forward to being just as successful this year.

“Some people who will sign up will end up not being able to give because of low levels or travel. However, we also get a lot of walk-ins, so we typically always hit the goal. Last year we had a great year and continue to try and increase our goals,” Lindquist said.

Many students have enjoyed giving blood in the past, and are always excited for the next blood drive on campus. Senior Health Fitness major Christina Marton has given blood six times, most recently during the blood drive last March.

“The entire process of answering questions and donating blood takes about 25 minutes. Everyone should do it, it saves 3 lives per donation and blood is in short supply!” Marton said.

“The Communications Studies Department thought it would be a great way to give back to the community”
—Cassandra Lindquist

Although the Red Cross needs donations, not everyone is eligible to donate. Basic requirements include: being in good health and feeling well, being 17 years old or 16 years old with a parent’s consent, and weighing at least 110 pounds. Additionally, there are over 40 more specific criteria to meet which are listed on the Red Cross official website. Along with whole blood, the Red Cross also takes donations of double red cells, platelets, and plasma.

Donators must wait at least 56 days before donating blood again.

For people who are ineligible or who don’t want to donate blood, the Communications Studies Club along with the Red Cross have many alternative volunteer opportunities.

“Each day we need people to help check in donors at our registration table. We also then need people to help in the canteen which is where donors go after giving blood and eat snacks and drink fluids,” Lindquist said.