Community Blood Drive | Photo by Grace Ramsdell | Edited by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State University community is stepping up to save lives, donating blood for the Community Blood Center.
The blood drive took place on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nutter Center, with students, alumni, and community members all stepping up to donate.
Donating to give back
Jake Coverstone, a donor, said he donates because he wants to give back.
“I always try to give back where I can,” Coverstone said. “I have a family member who has cancer of the blood, and another family member who needs a bone marrow transplant. Donating for me means helping others who struggle with the same things my family does.”
Coverstone, who is also a registered organ and bone marrow donor, encourages others to donate wherever they can.
“Believe it or not, I’m not exactly a fan of needles in my arm,” Coverstone said. “But this is a great cause and it really does save lives.”
Randy Wade, Mobile Coordinator for the Community Blood Center, agrees with Coverstone.
“It’s a great cause and it’s an easy way to save lives,” Wade said. “Every blood donor we get can save up to three people.”
Wade, who has worked for the Community Blood Center for over five years, didn’t know much about the Blood Center at first.
“Honestly, I retired about seven years ago and I needed a job,” Wade said. “I was skeptical at first, but the blood center was very welcoming to me. I like working with people, and what we do here benefits the entire community.”
Why donating is important now
With the coronavirus shutting down most, if not all, social gatherings, the community blood center has received less donations than usual.
“We can’t get into the high schools and colleges like we used to,” Wade said. “We do have a shortage right now, but the students here and the community have really stepped up to help.”
Brooke Leppla, Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, shares similar concerns with Wade.
“It’s always important to donate,” she said. “But now, with everything going on, it’s needed more than ever.”
However, Leppla is hopeful.
“It’s great to see Raiders, whether students or alumni, step up and donate,” Leppla said. “The students and alumni donated blood today, and Wright State is always willing to donate the Nutter Center to great groups like the community blood center who need a space to host events.”
Wade and Leppla encourage those who are nervous to still consider donating.
“It’s not as bad as people make it out to be,” Wade said. “We get a lot of first-time donors who come in nervous and walk out realizing it’s not bad at all.”
“If you think it can help, it’s because it can,” Leppla said. “I promise, if you’re able to donate, you’ve probably been through worse. Remember, your one donation can save 3 people.”
Thinking about donating?
If you are thinking about donating, you can find some additional information here.
Website: http://givingblood.org/
A map to find local blood drives: https://www.donortime.com/donor/schedules/geo
Phone Number: 1-800-388-GIVE
Email: pleasedonate@givingblood.com
