Students, faculty and staff at St. Mary's College of Maryland responded to the call on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 and together donated 26 pints of blood during the American Red Cross Blood drive.
Deborah Bello, director of health services for the College's Wellness Center, said the blood drive was "amazing," and that 61 percent of participants at the drive were first-time donors.
"As a Registered Nurse, seeing so many first-time blood donors was a testament to our students' investment in connecting with our campus and the broader community," said Bello. "In the wake of the pandemic, when so many young people felt helpless, the blood drive was an opportunity to make an informed decision and 'give back' with the gift of life."
The Department of Health and Human Services notes that up to three lives can be saved from a single donation of blood. The College's willing donors quickly filled the available donation slots, yet a number of donors like students Aidan and Abby (pictured) arrived as walk-ins also willing to roll up their sleeves.
