The Clinical Laboratory Science Program sponsored a blood drive last Tuesday at the Edinburg Quad.
Minutes after donating blood, President of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program Club, Berenice Artuche says the club sponsors at least two blood drives a year in efforts to help the community.
“We hold blood drives twice, so one in the fall and one in the spring semester … We’re always trying to host events for community service. ”
Vitalant donor recruiter representative, Roberto Repreza explains how long it takes the donor blood to save a life.
“Many people don’t know that this is the blood that ends up in hospitals to actually save lives. So within the—Let’s say the blood we collect today, within two to three days it’s going to be going to the hospitals to already to, you know, save people’s lives.”
Repreza says the local blood bank, Vitalant distributes to cities around the Rio Grande Valley.
Junior Biological Science Major, Ariana Jimenez says she thinks it’s important for student organizations to host blood drives.
“I think it is very useful for student organizations to carry out blood drives, because they are already involved in the university, so why not be involved in saving others and bringing awareness to students about its importance.”
Artuche said that one donation can potentially save three lives.
To learn more about local blood donations visit vitalant.org or call at (956) 213-7500.
Reporter Samantha Garza
