HSBA Hosts Blood Drive

The CSULB Hispanic Students Business Association (HSBA) held its annual blood drive on Monday, drawing in almost 100 donors to the University Student Union Ballrooms, according to an article in the Daily 49er.

Donated blood will go to Long Beach Memorial Hospital, which used 1,40o pints in patient transfusions last year alone, according to Cheryl Berlow, the hospital's donor recruiter. Berlow went on to stress the importance

of donating blood, explaining how one pint of blood can potentially save the lives of three people.

In December 2007, however, 65 pints alone were used at the hospital to save the lives of two seriously injured police officers.

"You never know what's going to happen," Berlow said. "There could be freeway pile-ups. There are a lot of children with leukemia who wind up living in the hospital and receive constant transfusions."

SoCal Blood Services Nurse Supervisor Lisa Barker said, "We need as much blood as we can get," and that it was great to see CSULB students donating "out of the goodness of their hearts."

If you were unable to donate blood this past week and would like to help, you can stop by Long Beach Memorial Hospital to do so. Requirements to donate blood include:

• Must be at least 17 years of age
• Must be in good health and feeling well on the day of donation
• Must weight at least 110 pounds
• Must have a healthy meal within four hours of donation (it is also advised to avoid caffein and coffee before donating)
  

For more information and requirements on donating, to set an appointment, or to get assistance on organizing your own blood drive, feel free to visit the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Blood Donor Center.

"There's no substitute for blood, and that's why today is so important for us," Berlow added. Make sure to do you part in helping to save the lives of those in need.

Photo Caption: Chantrea Phuong, a senior liberal studies major, squeezes a ball to get her blood flowing. (Photo Credit: Andrew Smith, Assistant City Editor, Daily 49er)