Spring Break
Blood drive continues today
Paul Mercado, Daily Staff Writer
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According to registered nurse Cynthia Miller, no matter what the disaster is, the American Red Cross is always there when needed.
"This is a mobile blood drive for the community." Miller said. "The blood is collected and processed in our Oakland lab and distributed to hospitals, as there is need."
The reason for the blood drives is the constant need, Miller said.
"There is always a shortage of blood supplies," Miller said.
She said blood drives are a good way to give back to the community and help other people.
"We also collect blood from people, who will need surgery, and save it for use on them," Miller said. "This is done by us through their doctor. It is called autologus donation."
Steve Kennedy, a computer science professor, said he is a regular donor.
"People always give blood when there is a crisis, like Sept. 11, and never give blood again," Kennedy said. "My goal is try to help fill in those time when less people are giving blood, this is why I do it on a regular bases."
Ernie Kitazawa, a volunteer for the American Red Cross for the past 34 years, said he helped with the event because it makes him feel good.
"After I was 60 years old, I quit giving blood. But I have been volunteering my help for the past 34 years." Kitazawa said.
Lilly Rocha, account manager in marketing for the American Red Cross, coordinates the blood drives.
"Most people are ignorant of how easy it is to donate blood. One pint of blood will help three local people, so it's important to donate," Rocha said. "We can't pay for blood, it is against the law. We just ask for donations and people give out of the goodness of their hearts."
Rocha also said there is constant need for blood and that blood collected at San Jose State University will stay and help people in the Bay Area.
She said the whole procedure takes about an hour.
"You spend about 10 minutes in the registration area, 10 minutes giving your medical history, 10 to 15 minutes having you blood drawn and about 15 minutes in the canteen area. It goes relatively quick," Rocha said.
Nichole Rodriguez, a senior majoring in communication studies, said she donated because she wanted to give something back to the community.
Mark Anderson, chief engineer of maintenance, said he donates because he has a good, clean, healthy blood and people need it.
"I have been giving blood for more than 20 years," Anderson said. "I started when I was in the Navy and have been donating ever since."
Tarek Khouzam, a senior majoring in computer science, said he has high iron in his blood and saw the article in the Daily and decided to donate.
Buddy the Blood Drop, the organization's mascot, said not as many people donated as the organization would like.
"Last time we were here we only had 45 people donate their blood. So, don't be afraid to donate. The few seconds of pain you feel is nothing compared to the people you will be helping out."
According to the American Red Cross, blood is tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis and other viruses.
Miller said the organization notifies the person if their blood tests come back unhealthy.
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