A Vitalant Blood Group bus is parked adjacent to the Main Building Wednesday on the Brownsville campus. Emilio Suarez / Vaquero Radio
Students had the opportunity to donate blood and help community members during a drive hosted by the American Medical Association Wednesday on the Brownsville campus.
American Medical Student Association President Karen Alanis said the blood drive was all about saving lives and only one unit of blood can save up to three adults and six babies.
Alanis said the blood drive is part of an ongoing effort to promote health care awareness and community involvement on campus.
“AMSA hosts blood drives like this about twice a year,” Alanis said. “We try to do it a little bit more, but we do it in partnership with Vitalant Blood Group.”
She said donating blood is especially meaningful in the Rio Grande Valley because there are a lot of people who suffer from chronic conditions and need transfusions.
She added donating blood can save many lives.
“We should make an effort to uplift our community,” Alanis said.
Biomedical science sophomore Trey Zepeda said donating blood has become a regular part of his life.
“I’ve been donating since junior year of high school. I donate as often as possible just because I enjoy doing it,” Zepeda said.
Zepeda said the first time he donated blood caused him to be somewhat nervous but as he keeps doing it, to him, it has become more of a routine than a pain.
He added it brings a sense of community and shows him how he can always lend a hand to a stranger.
He said he encourages students to take part in future blood drives.
“I say do it because you never know. That blood could be used for somebody who really needs it in a time of need,” Zepeda said.
Students interested in future blood drives can learn more by following AMSA’s Instagram @amsa.rgv.
