The Patriot

Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Iris Slade Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity members stand in front of the American Red Cross bus during a recent blood drive on campus.

Students, faculty and staff members saved as many as 213 lives during a recent blood drive for the American Red Cross sponsored by Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.

Ninety people showed up to donate blood. The drive was held across from The Grille and in front of the McNair Science Building, and 71 usable pints of blood were collected.

"For every unit you give, you can save three lives," Red Cross Donor Recruiter Representative Chasity Humphries said.

The American Red Cross wants people to understand that "blood is the most precious gift you can give," Humphries said.

Freshman Rebecca Nelson has donated blood several times.

"I've donated eight times," Nelson said. "So I've saved about 24 lives."

TKE tried to beat their record of 91 units collected during a blood drive last semester.

While they didn't beat their record, TKE President Jeff Gobin said fraternity members still are happy with the results.

"It saves lives," Gobin said. "It's good to take an hour out of your day and save a life."

The donation numbers surpass their usual collection of about 40 units, Gobin said.

The American Red Cross needs 500 units a day to fulfill hospital needs but usually collects between 300 and 350 units a day, Humphries said.

Blood is one source that humans can not create or duplicate, and the American Red Cross needs donors to give the blood, she said.

To help motivate students to give blood, TKE members said they maintain professionalism and help donors feel comfortable when donating, Gobin said.

"Usually, there are a lot of excuses (not to give blood)," Gobin said.

Members of the fraternity helped prospective donors sign up to give blood and prepared them for the giving process.

Donors were required to complete a packet provided by the American Red Cross that asked questions about their health, tattoos and piercings, and travel outside of the country, among other details, in order to determine their eligibility to give blood.

Donors must have proper iron levels, blood pressures and temperatures to move on to the blood-giving process.

Once donated blood arrives at the Florence center, it goes to North Carolina for testing and then back to South Carolina, Humphries said.

To donate blood, visit the Florence American Red Cross center at 1555B Palmetto St.

Those who give blood should wait 56 days between donations.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools