Writer's Notebook: Helen James

Marygrove Hosts its First Red-Cross Blood Drive of the Year in Madame Cadillac

Marygrove College, along with the American Red Cross, will host their bi-annual Blood Drive on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 in the Main Dining Room located in the Madame Cadillac Building.

The event is sponsored by the Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Departments. It is the first blood drive of the 2007/2008 academic year. The event is expected to last from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Marygrove’s first blood drive on the Detroit campus in over five years was held on September 11, 2001, the day of the terrorists attack. The Marygrove community donated 52 pints of blood, according to the October 3^rd issue of Marygrove Matters. Last year Marygrove’s blood donations was 36 pints, a decline when compared to the 911 figure of 52, but an increase when compared to the years preceding 2001.

The Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Department welcome all students, faculty, and the Marygrove community to become a part of the by-annual event.

A common question ask by potential blood donors is:

Can I get a disease if I give/receive blood?

The Red Cross answer is:
Giving blood: The procedure itself is very safe-every donation is taken from a new and sterile needle, which is immediately disposed of after that single use. When these procedures are followed, you cannot contract the virus that causes AIDS.

Red Cross personnel will be available to answer questions and concerns like the one above.

Interested donors should go to the Red Cross website to schedule an appointment. The Website is www.givelife.org. Step 1 ask for a sponsor code, the code is marygrovecollege. Step 2 will provide the location where the drive is. Step 3 will provide a list of schedule time available. If this is your first time donating blood you will be directed to a profile screen which will need to be filled out before continuing.

Any questions should be directed to David Sichterman, Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation, phone number (313)927-1391.

Helen James--09-13-07