This past Thursday, September 18, I had the pleasure of attending and being a part of the Red Cross Blood Drive. I had received emails about the donation event and thought it would be a great way to complete some of my service requirements, while directly helping my community in the process. After signing up to volunteer for one of the hour-block time slots, I registered to donate blood as well.

The volunteer process was educational, but I felt as if I were unable to help with the rest of the donation process. I was stationed at the concessions table and assigned to refilling the snacks donors received after donation. I was able to talk with some donors, ask them how their first donation went, and make sure they were feeling well enough to leave. Although this job was necessary, I felt far-removed from the donation process as a whole.

After my hour block was over, I was able to donate. The process to register and complete the physical was quick and painless, and I was taken right away. The nurses there were all friendly, which made the questionnaire much easier to go through. During the blood-giving process, all of the nurses were helpful and careful, and I never felt as if I were alone. While the whole volunteer process only lasted for about two hours, I was able to help the Red Cross in multiple ways, and was able to learn more about the different techniques and systems the donation process uses. The volunteer portion was a one-time event, but being a donor lasts, and I am emailed regularly about donation centers and needs for donors.

As a whole, I enjoyed the Red Cross Blood Drive, and I hope I can do it again soon. It was interesting to talk with donors about why they donate or how their donation went. I was also able to talk to the head of the drive, and she was able to tell me about the need for certain blood types and how they use the plasma, cells, etc. I would gladly attend and volunteer again as soon as possible.