On Monday, January 29, Quincy University Greek Life hosted an American Red Cross blood drive in the Hall of Fame Room in the Memorial Gymnasium. The drive lasted from 10:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Multiple students donated blood and many athletic teams on campus were motivated to donate, or at least encouraged to find someone to donate in their place.

Students received multiple emails about this event as well as information on social media was posted. The marketing for this event made it difficult for students not to know about.

The American Red Cross claims that there is a national blood shortage in the United States, and that the national blood supply has dropped around 25% since August of last year.

Quincy University Greek Life wants to help these numbers in Quincy.

“One of the core values of all Greek life is philanthropy and community service. When it was brought to our attention that there was a national blood shortage, I thought it would be an awesome opportunity for the Greek system,” Diane Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker oversees all Greek Life on campus as the Director of Student Engagement. She understands this event on a deeper level as her sorority chapter at the University of Missouri hosted a homecoming blood drive years ago, where the record was set for the number of units donated at one specific drive in the state of Missouri.

Shoemaker checked people in as they began their blood donation process.

Shoemaker said that the drive was a success. They had met their goal of online sign-ups, and even more walk-in’s showed up to donate blood.

The process, on average, takes about an hour.

Students first met with Shoemaker, then proceeded to a seated area where they waited to get screened to make sure they are eligible to donate.

Students must have normal blood pressure, iron levels, and have to fill out a medical questionnaire to make sure they are in the right health to donate blood. This is also to ensure that the blood is good to use on patients in need.

Students were then led to the donation chairs where the withdrawal process actually took place.

It is recommended that donor’s get a good night’s rest and eat a good meal before and after their donation. QU provided snacks for students, and a complimentary shirt.

Donating blood can save up to three lives. This is something that inspires freshman Addison Eades to donate.

“My blood type is one of the blood types that specifically help babies in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), so that’s why my aunt and I come through to donate all the time,” Eades said.

Whatever the reason, many people are eligible to donate blood and save lives.

It’s a relatively easy process according to Red Cross employee, John Grassmuck.

“I think everyone should look into donating blood. The actual process of drawing blood is less than 10 minutes long which is worth it to me when you’re saving lives,” Grassmuck said.

The Red Cross says hospitals are in need of blood. The requirements to give blood are on the Red Cross website.