In less than an hour, students and staff had the opportunity to save a life.
LifeStream’s Mobile Bloodbank made its monthly appearance in the USC Village today. The local public were invited to the blood drive that was held from 10am to 5pm.
The university’s relationship with LifeStream Blood Bank stemmed from their contribution as the primary blood supplier for Keck Medicine of USC.
The mobile blood bank provided easy accessibility for those in the area who didn’t have the transportation to travel far.
This is junior Rajyk Bhala.
Rajyk Bhala: I think transportation is always a big issue. So bringing it to the students helps encourage them to actually do it rather than, going off campus and they might not have cars and things like that.
Junior Christina Vo, had more to comment on students’ accessibility to the donation site.
Christina Vo: I think a lot of students would want to donate, but because of transportation problems and all of that. So I think having it on site gives just more opportunity.
Those around were able to scan the QR code to check-in and go through a quick blood donation process. In less than an hour, those who donated were able to contribute to a great cause.
Nicole Pasini, staff member of the Department of Contracts and Grants, felt the mobile’s location brought more awareness to the local.
Nicole Pasini: there’s always after, major medical events, there’s always a need for more blood. So doing these kinds of drives in places where there are a lot of people, you know, gives just more visibility to the need to give blood, which you can forget about easily, I think, when things are bad.
The bus’s presence gave a public notice, especially to students walking by. Those unaware of the event, took time to stop and see.
Senior Lily Guilfoil spoke on the importance of contributions by students.
Lily Guilfoil: It’s really important for people our age because we’re healthy and we’re young, and so we’re able to donate blood consistently assuming there’s no preexisting conditions. And it’s giving back to the community. There’s always blood shortages. So it’s very important.
LifeStream’s mobile Blood Bank can be found at the USC Village for both appointments and walk-ins. They will typically be available on the first Wednesday of every month.
For Annenberg Media, I’m Aerianne Collantes.