Bloodmobile Nets 77 Pints, Raises Money for THON
Published 02.19.2018
A total of 231 patients were potentially helped by a Valentine's Day blood drive on campus, as members of the Penn College community contributed 77 pints during a one-day makeup collection for the American Red Cross.
The Bloodmobile was quickly organized after winter weather cut short a Jan. 16-17 visit to Penn's Inn, and, based on limited available staff, the day's target was set at only 49 units. In spite of minimal resources – and the fact that about 40 people had to be turned away – the goal was topped.
Pediatric cancer patients also were aided by the Feb. 14 drive, as the Red Cross donated $4 to the Four Diamonds Fund on behalf of Penn College Benefiting THON for each unit of blood collected.
“You guys always come through with us, and we had long waits again due to only having half the staff available with this last-minute reschedule," Red Cross officials told College Health Services. "We need to make sure the April donors realize that the wait will not be like this, since it'll be a two-day event again.” Online appointments are available for that visit, scheduled from noon-6 p.m. April 11-12.