News

Blood drive promotes matters of the heart

By Jessica Brown
The Daily Cougar

In the spirit of love and life as Valentineis Day approaches, the Wellness Center hosted a campus blood drive Wednesday.

The drive was held in conjunction with Methodist Hospital and the University Centeris second annual Valentineis Day fair and gift mart. 

The UC and Wellness Center will continue the blood drive and fair, "Matters of the Heart, " from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Cougar Den and UC Arbor.

"Since February is healthy heart month, we are promoting heart health from both a physical and an emotional aspect, as well as getting students to take care of their lives," Wellness Center Director Gail Gillan said. 

Gillan began the program by providing several workshops concerning how to maintain healthy relationships. UC programs and marketing coordinator Lauren Johnson said she thinks the two events are a good combination.

"Although Valentine's Day is traditionally known to be a day where people celebrate by giving gifts to the ones they love, we would like to view the (week) as a time to celebrate all matters of the heart," Johnson said. "It is important to stay healthy, be safe and have fun."

Donors came through the doors of the Cougar Den all with the same objective ­ to give a gift that truly comes from heart, and to in turn save the lives of others. "For students, who sometimes operate on a tighter budget, this may be the more affordable and most meaningful way to show how much they care," said Johnson, who is heading up the gift mart.

The eventis coordinators hoped it would help ease the blood shortage that Texas and the nation are striving to amend.

About half the hospitals in the United States have less than a two-day blood supply; a seven-day supply is ideal.

"The wonderful thing about the University Center is that they are always helping to provide things for students and, with the blood drive, students are being given the chance to give back," Gillan said.

The blood drive provides students, faculty and staff members with the chance to give the gift of life. For some, this isnit a new experience. People who start giving blood are likely to continue donating.

"I have given blood every year since I was a freshman in high school," freshman Ryan Martinez said. "Afterwards I feel good about myself, knowing that I may have taken part in saving another personis life."

Along with the prospect of giving blood, donors have the chance to donate a vial of blood that will be tested for bone marrow compatibility to help meet the need for bone marrow transplants. This option gives donors the ability to play an even larger role in saving lives.
 

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