Students urge peers to give blood at ‘Bucky’s record drive’

The UW–Madison student organization, “Give Life,” and the local American Red Cross Blood Services aim to draw 750 blood donors to the first-ever “Bucky’s Record Drive” on Friday, April 2. The organizations are striving to set a UW–Madison campus record for most donors at a single blood drive, and are hoping to spread the word about the importance of lifelong blood donation.

“Bucky’s Record Drive” is set for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Kohl Center Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and UW supporters are encouraged to donate blood at the drive. The day will include performances from local Madison bands, as well as other entertainment.

“Students are an important group of people that help maintain the blood supply,” says Kelly McCoy, Red Cross donor recruitment representative. “Fifteen percent of our donor base during the school year is made up of high school and college students.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion, whether it be accident victims or those undergoing surgery, the Red Cross reports. For thousands of Americans who suffer from sickle cell disease, cancer, heart disease, leukemia and other major illnesses, blood transfusion is a way of life and they often need regular transfusions to survive. Reaching the goal of 750 donors at “Bucky’s Record Drive” will help meet this demand. One blood donation can save up to three lives.

“Blood donation is an easy way for one person to make a difference and help save lives of others. We hope that the donors at Bucky’s Record Drive, and everyone who donates during the school year, will continue to donate blood throughout their lives,” says Krystle Ficco, student spokesperson for Give Life.

To make the blood-donation process as convenient and efficient as possible, the Red Cross is encouraging donors to make appointments to give blood on April 2. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. To make an appointment or for more information, visit http://www.givelife.org, or call 1-800 GIVE LIF(E) or (608) 227-1357.

Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more. A driver’s license or blood donor card or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. A donor does not need to know his or her blood type to donate.