Giving Back One Donation at a Time

USD students and staff have found a way to give back to others by taking part in a community blood drive.

Lambda Chi Alpha and the American Red Cross Club hosted the blood drive on Feb. 23 and 24 in the MUC Ballroom. Students and faculty were encouraged to participate in this life-saving event to not only impact others, but also to engage with the Community.

“We are hoping that students realize how simple it is to make a meaningful difference,” said Conner Johnsen, Philanthropy Chair of Lambda Chi Alpha. “A single hour of their time can save lives, and we want the campus to feel more connected through service and helping others beyond the USD campus.” 

Blood donations are sent to hospitals for patients who are in need of transfusions. These donations are also crucial in surgeries, cancer treatments and other medical procedures.

“Lambda Chi Alpha values service and philanthropy, and partnering with the USD Red Cross Club allows us to combine our outreach with their expertise in organizing these drives,” Johnsen said. “We wanted to help make an impact beyond campus and the drive allows us to achieve that.” 

Before students could donate, each participant had to undergo a health screening, which consisted of getting their blood pressure, heart rate and temperature checked.

The goal for the blood drive is 25 units each day, and the clubs worked hard to fill all the appointment slots.

“Overall, we hope the USD community takes away the understanding that saving lives can be simple and accessible,” Gitanjali Sattanathan, President of the Red Cross Club, said. “Donating blood is a small act that creates a huge impact. This event is an opportunity for our campus to come together and directly support patients in need.”