Iowa State springs into action with Blood Drive
- NEIA Red Cross
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This week, Iowa State University hosted the spring blood drive at the Memorial Union. For three days, students, staff, faculty and community members came together to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. The annual event is hosted by Blood Drive, a student club on campus. For years, Blood Drive has hosted one of the largest student-run blood drives in the country, which is a source of pride for club members.
“It’s really rewarding to see them all help out,” said Tori Olson, an Iowa State sophomore active in Blood Drive. “I feel like we’re really getting the word out good this year.”
This is Olson’s second semester on Blood Drive. Though she is unable to donate blood, she donates her time and photography skills to promote the event on social media platforms. Olson is on the public relations committee for Blood Drive.
Over the course of the three-day drive, blood donors came to donate between classes and meals. But this was more than just a usual blood drive. Upbeat music fills the large room. There were tables with snacks, t-shirts, giveaways and prizes. There was also a selfie station with signs that donors could use when taking pictures. Blood Drive created a positive, fun and social donating experience that clearly resonated with the community. This spring, 732 people donated, and nearly one-third were first-time blood donors.
“It’s easiest if you give them a personal connection, like why you donate and all the benefits, like helping other people,” said Nick Hoberg when explaining how he encourages Cyclones to come and donate blood.
Hoberg is a junior and an executive for Blood Drive. He first donated blood in high school and has been a regular donor in his time at Iowa State. Hoberg explained that Blood Drive is heavily supported by campus Greek life, which is why the four-day Homecoming Blood Drive each fall is such a draw. However, the spring event stands on its own, rather than as part of a larger celebration. This created a donor recruitment challenge for club members.
“In the springtime, we have to be more visible and apparent around campus,” explained Hoberg. “Seeing that somebody has a personal reason to donate kind of helps push people to be more inclined to sign up to donate or volunteer.”
Hoberg and his team table around campus, build relationships with other clubs and organizations and speak in front of classes to explain the constant need for blood to students to encourage them to donate. While the club’s members have strong ties to Greek life, the impact of donating blood is felt across campus.
“I see a really good mix of Greek kids in [Blood Drive] committee, but donating, I’ve seen a lot of people not in Greek life,” said Olson. “That’s even more awesome.”
You can learn more about blood donation, hosting a blood drive and make an appointment to give by visiting redcrossblood.org.