January Red Cross Blood Drive exceeds goals by 13 units of blood

The Red Cross Blood Drive hosted on MHCC’s campus Jan. 24 and 25 had a great turn out, according to Associated Student Government President Jackie Altamirano.

“We had so many walk-ins that we had to actually turn down people,” said Altamirano. “We also filled in all of our appointments.”

The goal set by the Red Cross was 53 units of blood for Jan. 24, and 58 units were collected with five deferrals.

The goal set for Jan. 25 was 55 units and 63 units were collected, with nine deferrals. In total the MHCC Blood Drive exceeded the goal set by the Red Cross by 13 units.

One unit is about a quart and each donor can donate up to one unit. Potential donors may be deferred due to a number of reasons, but the most common reason is low iron count, according to SAB Wellness Programs Coordinator Teresa Vega.

Not only did ASG have a great turn out in blood donors, but also in the amount of volunteers at the event, “we had probably about 25 volunteers that day,” said Altamirano.

The next wellness-related event will be a wellness fair in March.