The QCC Community went above and beyond for last month's blood drive to support the Rhode Island Blood Center. After the center recently announced a blood shortage, Director of Health and Wellness Heather Lukas put together the blood drive to support the emergency need.
"A huge thank you to our whole community from the Health and Wellness Team. We knew we were part of an amazing community here at QCC, but we were not prepared for the incredible support and engagement for the blood drive with RIBC. Thank you all for helping us help so many people," said Lukas.
The RI Blood Center noted in addition to low turnout over the summer, the recent Labor Day holiday, back-to-school activities, and a prolonged 50% decrease in youth and first-time donors severely affect that amount of available donations. The RI Blood Center is not alone; blood shortages are happening across the country, with multiple centers urgently calling for blood donations.
Over 40 units of blood were collected from QCC staff, faculty and students which, according to the Rhode Island Blood Center, will help save up to 132 lives.
If you missed this event but are interesting in donating, check out RIBC.org for more blood drives.