UCLA and ASB hold one of the most successful blood drives in school history

By Joani Gillam
Staff Writer

The annual UCLA Blood Drive attracted 250 student volunteers on June 1 and 2 in the Fisher Gym. These students had their blood donated to the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center for patients in need of critical transfusions.

The event was one of the most successful Mira Costa has ever had. This year, students and staff donated 232 units of blood, which was only 20 units less than Mira Costa’s record donation.

“We gave UCLA well over our goal. They only expected 75 units of blood, and we easily succeeded in doing that, which is really cool,” Student Government commissioner senior Lauren Wellbaum said.

Wellbaum, working in conjunction with the UCLA staff, was in charge of coordinating and running the blood drive to ensure that all of the aspects of the event ran smoothly. Many of the donors stated that they thought the blood drive was organized and efficient.

“It wasn’t hard to donate my blood at all. I didn’t get woozy after the donation; I was happy to contribute my blood to a person who needs it, and UCLA did a great job over all,” junior Jessie Somberg said.

For many students, the UCLA blood drive was the first time that they had ever donated blood and were nervous about what to expect.

“This was my first time donating blood. The person almost stopped the process because I was too nervous. I calmed down after that and still donated. I was so glad that I, in a way, saved a person’s life,” senior Mai Tran said.

However, some eager students were unable to contribute to the drive because of restrictions from the Food and Drug Administration. Students are only eligible to give blood if they are at least 17 years old, or 16 with a waiver, weigh at least 110 pounds, are not taking antibiotics, have not traveled to Africa, Asia, or other areas in the last year, have not had sexual intercourse with a homosexual man, and have not gotten any piercings or tattoos in the past year.

“If you have been ill, it is critical that the full course of antibiotics be completed at least 48 hours prior to donation and that you have no more symptoms,” the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center said.

Despite these strict constraints, student support for the blood drive has been steadily growing with each passing year. Doctors can save about three patients for every donation given.

Because of this, Student Government hopes that by carrying on the blood drive for years to come, they can work to encourage the rising trend of high participation and continue helping the center get the blood they need to aid those that are in need of transfusions.
“Lauren did an awesome job organizing the blood drive,” Student Activities Director Lisa Claypoole said. “We were so close to exceeding the Mira Costa record of 252 units this year, which is great for UCLA. Hopefully we get as many volunteers to donate blood next year also, and we hope it will be just as successful.”