On a rainy day at the Oregon State University Campus, college students took a break between classes to roll up their sleeves and donate lifesaving blood.  A steady stream of people came to the student union. They lined up, underwent a health screening to make sure they were eligible to donate, and chatted with phlebotomists and OSU volunteers as they donated blood. When they were done, they were treated to an array of free snacks, like cinnamon rolls, Halloween candy, crackers and juice.  

 Courtney Wagnon was one of those students.  She’s in her senior year, she has A-positive blood, and she has donated blood a few times before.  

“It’s an easy way to give back, it doesn’t take that long, I don’t mind donating blood, and I feel like I’m a useful donor.”  She made her way through the process, capping it off with a bag of Cheezits and some water before heading back to class.  

Isaiah Garibaldo is a sophomore studying Accounting and Finance. This is his 4^th time giving blood and the last two times, he’s donated Power Reds which takes a little bit longer but results in twice as many red blood cells.   He has type O-positive blood, which means his blood type is in high demand, the most used in hospitals.  

He originally got into blood donation because his sister did it, and he wanted to follow her lead.  He also wanted to overcome his fear of needles.  Now, he is not scared of needles and can even watch the process instead of looking away.   

“It’s not time consuming and it’s easy to do, especially when the Red Cross comes to you in blood drives like this one on the campus,” he says. “Plus, it helps others.”  His sister knows he’s giving blood today and is jealous, which seems to give him some extra satisfaction. 

Scott Cuno is a sophomore studying Bio Engineering. He’s given 8 times and was inspired by his mother to start donating.  

 “I just always give because my mom is anemic.  She was in the hospital recently and they wouldn’t give her blood until she was dangerously low because there was a blood shortage.  She finally got 13 pints.  I want to make up for some of the amount she had to take and hopefully give more.”   

Cuno even decided to volunteer after he donated because he had extra time between his classes that day. Wearing the signature red tape around his arm where he donated, he encouraged others to come and do the same. 

“I think if you are able to give blood, you should, because there are so many people who are not able to give blood.”     

This three-day drive is just one of many blood drives on college campuses across the region.  It’s a great way to connect young people with the Red Cross mission and hopefully start a lifelong habit of blood donation and volunteerism.  

Thank you, Beaver Nation, and all the students for your incredible selfless actions!   

If you want to learn more about how to find a drive near you, just go to Redcrossblood.org and enter your zip code.  A list of opportunities will show up.