In a new initiative, TRU’s Blood Club will launch its first on-campus blood donation drive, aiming to boost students’ involvement and save lives.
The event will take place in the Grand Hall of the Campus Activity Centre from Oct 28 to the 30. The hours will differ for each date and will be posted on TRU’s Inside website.
TRU’s Blood Club was established in 2020 to spread awareness about Canada’s need for blood, plasma, stem cells, tissue, and organ donation.
Vice-President Allie Richdale hopes that this event will increase the participation of TRU’s faculty and student body in blood donation, helping to fulfill the growing need for new donors.
“We want to get more of the younger demographic involved,” Richdale said. “By having [the drive] on campus, you automatically bring in younger people who are usually the ideal [people] to donate because they tend to be healthier and can donate more often.”
According to Canadian Blood Services, more than 100,000 new blood and plasma donors are needed annually, and the need for more donations is constant. For illustrative purposes, to meet all patients’ needs, the service had to collect 16,000 units of blood and 3,000 units of plasma every week in 2023.
Richdale, a Bachelor of Science and Biology student, knew that being part of TRU’s Blood Club would get her closer to her goal of helping people. “I figured it would be beneficial and a good thing for me to do. I just want to help people.”
While the club invites every student to donate, some may not meet the requirements. Medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, travel, age, and weight can all factor into whether you can donate.
All information on donation eligibility can be found on the Canadian Blood Services website.
“The process will take roughly 10 to 15 minutes,” Richadale said. “A finger prick will make sure the iron levels are good, there will be snacks to keep the sugar levels normal, and [trained medical professionals] will make sure you’re okay at all times.”
Donating blood is a simple act that doesn’t take long but can help save a life. Students interested in donating must create an account with Canadian Blood Services.
After creating an account, join the TRUSU Blood Club team under ‘Partners,’ then select ‘View Team’ to book your appointment.
All students and faculty must make an appointment, as Canadian Blood Services does not accept walk-ins.