For the first time, the Red Cross is hosting two blood drives this semester in an effort to increase donations among students. The Red Cross hosted the first of the drives on Wednesday, Sept. 4 on the campus lawn adjacent from The Grille. The blood drive took place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to Chastity Humphries, Red Cross Blood Drive donor recruiter reprehensive, student participation exceeded expectations. “We had a great drive; 63 students signed in, and we collected 47 good units of blood after coming in with a goal of 42 units,” Humphries said.

Students from the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity participated in the event by running the sign-up table, which contained sign-up sheets and booklets detailing what process students should expect when having their blood taken. Glenn Yoma, sophomore chairman of Tau Kappa Epsilon, explained that the fraternity worked earnestly to raise awareness about the blood drive and the increased turnout was a welcomed surprise. Each individual who participated in the Red Cross blood drive was allowed to give only one pint of blood; some received free T-shirts and were given refreshments and water afterward.

The Red Cross Blood Drive, Humphries said, greatly benefited from the increased student participation and hopes the trend will continue as more drives are held. Humphries added that the Red Cross is encouraging students to come and participate in the second blood drive that will take place on Oct. 30. To make an appoint students can visit the Red Cross’ blood donation website at redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code “fmu.”Humphries said she hopes students will come to the second drive and give blood because it saves the lives of others. The next blood drive will be held on Oct. 30.