The American Red Cross blood drive at Geneseo

Photo courtesy of WIkimedia Commons

The American Red Cross often has "Bloodmobile" buses to coincide with the blood drives that they host to increase blood collection.

SUNY Geneseo has long upheld a tradition of hosting two blood drives each semester in partnership with the American Red Cross. These events unite students, faculty, and community members around a singular mission: donating blood to save lives. Last week’s blood drive was no exception, as participants from across campus filled the MacVittie College Union, eager to make a tangible difference in the world by donating blood. With an impressive turnout and a strong sense of community, this event demonstrated that even small acts of kindness, like donating blood, can impact countless lives.

While donating blood may seem small, its impact is immeasurable. According to the American Red Cross, a single pint of blood can save up to three lives. Blood donations are essential in modern medical care, whether it is for patients recovering from surgery, undergoing cancer treatment, or suffering from severe injuries. Blood donations are needed every two seconds in the US, highlighting the ongoing demand for this precious resource.

At SUNY Geneseo’s most recent blood drive, 80 pints of blood were donated—each pint representing a life potentially saved. College blood drives like this play an essential role in maintaining a steady blood supply, especially in times of national shortages. For many students, the opportunity to contribute to such a vital cause was a rewarding experience.

The success of this blood drive was not the result of individual actions but rather a collective effort by a dedicated team of organizers, volunteers, and donors. Weeks of planning ensured the event ran smoothly, from promoting the drive on campus to coordinating with the American Red Cross and recruiting volunteers. On the event day, volunteers helped with every step of the donation process, from checking in donors to offering refreshments after each donation was complete.

“It’s not just about one person or a small group of people; it’s about everyone working together to make this happen,” said an executive board member who helped coordinate the event, “The executive board, the volunteers, the American Red Cross, and, of course, the donors all played a crucial role. It’s a team effort from start to finish.”

The positive atmosphere at the blood drive made it easy for students, especially first-time donors, to feel comfortable. Volunteers were stationed throughout the event to answer questions, ease nerves, and guide donors. Many students found the supportive environment helpful in overcoming their hesitation about donating blood.

One first-time donor shared, “I was a little nervous, but having my friends there with me and seeing how easy the process was helped. I’m so glad I did it because now I know I’ve made a difference.”

The blood collected at drives like SUNY Geneseo’s does not just stay local—it plays a crucial role in addressing the national blood shortage. Blood is a perishable resource: red blood cells last only 42 days, and platelets must be used within five days of donation. As a result, hospitals are constantly in need of new contributions to meet the demands of surgeries, trauma care, and the treatment of chronic illnesses like sickle cell anemia and leukemia.

In recent years, the U.S. has faced a critical blood shortage. Blood drives on college campuses are crucial because they help ensure steady donations during the academic year. The American Red Cross estimates that only about three percent of the U.S. population donates blood annually, leaving a significant gap between the need for blood and the available supply pool. Events like SUNY Geneseo’s blood drive are vital in bridging that gap and ensuring hospitals have the necessary resources to save lives. SUNY Geneseo’s turnout exceeded expectations, showing the community’s commitment to addressing this national crisis and beating the drive’s original goal of 65 pints. It served as an example of how a single campus can have a meaningful impact on the nation.

Beyond the immediate success of this semester’s drive, the goal at SUNY Geneseo is to build a lasting culture of giving. Various student organizations, including Greek Life, academic clubs, and sports teams, actively promoted the blood drive as part of their community service initiatives. This wide-ranging involvement made the event a genuine community effort, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and encouraging a spirit of collective action.

By fostering a culture of giving, SUNY Geneseo hopes to inspire students to donate blood long after leaving campus. The sense of responsibility and compassion cultivated through these events has the potential to leave a lasting legacy, both at the university and in the broader community.

The blood drive team is already looking forward to their next one, which they hope will draw even more donors and continue to build on this semester’s success. The date and time of the next blood drive are still being determined, but the mission remains clear: to support the American Red Cross and ensure that hospitals have the blood supplies they need to save lives. With the continued dedication of students, faculty, and volunteers, SUNY Geneseo’s blood drives will continue to make a lasting impact—one pint at a time.