By Zachary Bonner, Asst. News Editor
The American Red Cross held a blood drive on Sept. 11 in the Degenstein Campus Cen- ter from 1 – 5 p.m.
Students and faculty came to donate blood to the organization that provides 40 percent of the blood and blood products used in our country.
The American Red Cross is the premier domestic organization that provides relief to victims of natural disasters, as well as people who need health assistance in hospitals all over the world, according to its website.
According to The American Red Cross website, one of the most important types of donations received by the Red Cross is called “Power Red.”
Blood donations include different products, such as red blood cells, platelets, plasma and white blood cells.
One of the most integral products of blood that the organizations uses are red blood cells. Donors can give two units of red blood cells through the process called “Power Red.” “Donating ‘Power Red’ helps more people but takes less time,” said junior Thomas Moran, a donor. “The fact that giving a few hours of my time can literally
save people’s lives is amazing.” The Red Cross says that “Power Red” donations also drain the donor less. After the two units of red blood cells are received, the plasma and platelets from the blood are returned to the donor via a saline solution.
“Donating blood for the Red Cross is a great opportunity to help people who really need it,” Moran continued. “Anytime I see a blood drive on campus I make sure I sign up.”
Susquehanna partners with the Red Cross five times a year to sponsor drives in the community. The donations are received by the Red Cross location in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.