In collaboration with Eileen McMillin Blood Center, the Undergraduate Medical Academy hosted a blood drive for the Methodist Hospital in the MSC ballroom, to raise awareness and stress the significance of donating blood on March 4.
BDC recruiter, Olivia Duffy, explained the need and benefits of blood donations. “The Methodist Hospital uses approximately 8,000 blood components a month,” she said.
“The Medical academy is an organization that helps premedical students become a better applicant for medical school,” said Eugenia Anyanwu, senior biology major.
Anyanwu, the student body president for the academy; spoke about her experience organizing her first blood drive for the university and how it changed her perspective about donating blood.
“Donating blood is necessary,” she said, “A lot of students are reluctant to donate because of their fear of needles, but they don’t realize it’s a minor inconvenience that makes a huge impact.”
“I donate blood because it’s important, and I would rather donate because everyone’s red blood cells eventually expire and there are some that need it more than I do,” said Christine Nguyen, biology major.
The Undergraduate Medical Academy hosts a blood drive every year at Prairie View.