Forty-one UB students and faculty members gathered for the UB School of Medicine's Red Cross Blood Drive on South Campus last Tuesday and more than 20 were turned away due to lack of space, according to Kari Guagenti, accounting manager for the American Red Cross.
Guagenti said that the drive, which was the medical school's second of the semester, resulted in the collection of 29 pints of blood, which will be distributed throughout the New York-Pennsylvania region.
She said that, combined with the Aug. 28 blood drive, UB students and faculty have donated 65 units of blood this semester.
"Every (pint) collected saves three lives," she said.
The drive was held the day before the one-year anniversary Sept. 11. During the days following last year's attacks, millions of U.S. citizens volunteered their blood, according to the Red Cross.
At Tuesday's drive, donors were given candles bearing the motto, "Together We Shine Brighter," and the date, "Sept. 11, 2001."
"Everybody wants to do something," said Elizabeth Rodriguez, supervisor of blood collections for the Red Cross. "(Giving blood) is one way to do something."
John Podraza, a medical student who has given blood since he was 18, said awareness of the need to give blood has been heightened since last September.
UB holds 10 blood drives every year - two on the South Campus and 10 on the North Campus. Last year, according to Guagenti, 400 total pints of blood were donated at drives sponsored held at UB.
Those who donated on Tuesday came for various reasons.
Ian Mack, a third-year medical student, has donated blood since the day he became e eligible, and said anyone who is able should donate blood.
"A lot of people are scared - just bring a friend with you," said Mack. "You can do it."
In order to participate, a potential donor must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be free from disease. Each donor must read a booklet, titled "What You Should Know," complete a medical history form, and pass a brief physical exam that tests factors such as blood pressure and red-blood cell count.
The blood is taken from either arm at the elbow and takes about six minutes, said Rodriguez.
"When your donation is finished, you will have given about a pint of blood," she said. "The body replaces the fluid in 24 hours. The red blood cells replace in a couple of weeks."
According to Rodriguez, a healthy blood donor can give blood every 56 days. For example, someone who donated blood on Tuesday will be able to donate again on Nov. 5.
Liz Hayden, a staff associate for UB's Biomedical Education Ph.D. Program, has donated blood at various drives on both campuses and at the Red Cross itself. She said there is no need to be afraid of pain, when it comes to donating.
"You can overcome the fear of a needle," Hayden said. "And if you get someone good, it's never painful. But they're all good."
