The radiologic technology department held its annual blood drive Oct. 22 with a goal of collecting 43 pints of blood. That goal was exceeded by more than 20 pints with a total of 65 collected.
Radiologic Technology Program Director Jeffery Vaughn said the annual drive helps students get more involved with the community.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am of my students that not only donated but also recruited their family and friends to donate,” he said.
More than 30 students volunteered at various stations throughout the day to help the drive run smoothly and many donated blood themselves.
They recruited fellow students, friends and family to donate and Newman student-athletes showed up in a big way at this year’s event, especially the wrestling team.
“I just can’t say enough about our students in how they stepped up to donate blood, to recruit others to donate and volunteer their time to make this blood drive a major success,” said Vaughn.
Jaleigh Conkle, radiologic technology student, had family travel more than two hours to take part in the blood drive.
She said, “I think all Red Cross blood drives are important. The donations that people give save many lives every year.”
Another one of Vaughn’s students, Cassandra Jones, has a personal reason for helping to make the blood drive a success.
“I have a different story than most,” she said. “A donor impacted my life, so every year since, I have always pushed and promoted blood drives around me.”
Jones enjoyed seeing close friends, classmates and Newman community members donate and even recruited former Friends University softball teammates to take part in the event.
She said a common misunderstanding is the number of lives that can be saved with a single donation — up to three lives, not just one, can be saved. She hopes to help continue to spread the message for what blood donations truly do for patients in need.
Vaughn is thankful for the hard work of the Red Cross as well as the support of the Newman community.
He said, “This blood drive could not be as successful if were not for the caring and dedication of the students, staff and faculty of Newman University.”
