For many organizations that collect and distribute blood donations, summers and holidays are very difficult times of the year. Often they struggle to meet the demands for blood at the healthcare facilities with which they partner. To help alleviate some of the seasonal pressure, Ross College in Sylvania, Ohio decided to partner with Music Saves Lives and LifeShare Community Blood Services to participate in a summer blood drive.
Starting their work in the community in 2005, Music Saves Lives strives to educate young people about the importance of blood donation and gives them the opportunities to take action. They understand that blood donation, hosting blood drives, and registering for the national marrow program are simple acts that can make the difference between life and death for those in need of a life-saving blood or marrow donation. According to their website, their “goals are simple and our actions are incredibly effective and relevant. Lives can be changed forever with a simple act of kindness. Saving Lives Has Never Sounded So Good™”
During the course of preparing for the blood drive, the Sylvania Ross College campus had over 30 students sign up to participate. After the initial screening process, 22 of the volunteers were able to actually donate blood. Of those 22 units collected, each unit will potentially save up to four lives. That means that a potential total of 176 lives could be saved through the generosity of Ross College students and staff during their summer blood drive.
To provide just a little more motivation, students who donated blood were offered free VIP upgrades to this summer’s Warped Tour Music Festival. Also, LifeShare Community Blood Services made the drive simple for Ross as they brought their mobile blood bus right to the campus! Not only was this very convenient, but students were also able to see the latest phlebotomy techniques during the blood drive.