Suffolk County Community College (SCCC) held its very own blood drive in the Suffolk Credit Union Field House on October 16th. Dedicated workers are the first thing one would notice walking in, that and the large amount of students waiting to donate or already getting blood taken. For those who have never once donated blood, such as myself, it definitely might be overwhelming and even a little nerve wracking. Still, the passionate and kind workers made it such a smooth and worthwhile experience.
This year would be the very first time I’ve donated blood, given that I’d always been too scared to do so before. However, I’ve always say it’s important to put yourself out there! I was accompanied by a friend — who took notes for me, comforted me, and drove me home because it’s better to be safe than sorry. I felt very anxious as I sat waiting to even get my finger pricked — which was arguably the most painful part! Soon thereafter, I was sitting back waiting to get my blood drawn. Having someone to talk to definitely made it a smoother experience, and I couldn’t even feel the needle go in. I’m someone who faints easy I suppose, so I did become quite worried about that and even got paler; this resulted in me being laid down with an ice pack to bring back for color in my face. Safe to say it was a humbling experience, but a funny story for sure. Once I finished my pretzels and water, the process was over and I was free to go. I felt a little better that day knowing I did a good deed and saved the lives of three people.
I had the honor of interviewing two people involved in the blood drive, Jennifer Pisano and Brian McCullough. Ms. Pisano is the account manager, she basically runs the blood drive. She shares that there is a blood drive every fall and spring semester, though dates vary, and is all for donating blood because every pint of blood saves three lives. She estimates about 100 pints were going to be donated that day, but that number most likely increase since I’d shown up early. When asked where the blood would go, she said the blood was donated to local hospitals to help those in need. Ms. Pisano was very pleasant and enthusiastic about helping with the blood drive, something that made me feel comfortable and happy to be there! Furthermore, Brian McCullough was the medical professional who took my blood. He’s been taking blood for about 12 years now. When asked to take a guess at exactly how many people’s blood he’ll draw a day, he said it all depends on how busy it gets; sometimes zero people, sometimes 20 people. In his career, he shares it’s safe to say he’s drawn the blood of around 2,000 people. When I inquired why it was so important to draw blood, his answer was simple: “Everyone needs blood.” All blood that’s drawn will be used for those in accidents, surgeries, transplant patients, and so much more.
After my experience, I’ve conjured up a few tips to share with those debating whether or not to donate in the future. As stated before, I highly recommend bringing along a friend because it makes the experience more comfortable and its better than panicking alone! Before I arrived at the blood drive, I ate a light meal from the cafeteria so I wouldn’t go in with just a small breakfast I had earlier in the morning. What I think is most important to share is to take your time! While recuperating after donating a pint of blood, I made sure not to rush when eating the snacks they offered and only got up once I felt 100% myself. I’d much rather wait around for a while then collapse on my way out. Once I got home, I was careful not to lift anything heavy or wet the bandage they gave me. In fact, I took a nap as soon as I got home and felt so much bette afterwards.
All in all, I highly recommend donating blood. It will fill you with great satisfaction, there are free snacks given, and it’s a good thing to do. It’s a known fact that every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Further, it may help us discover health problems of our own. It’s something I will definitely participate in again, and I hope you will too.
