The Red Cross, in partnership with the nursing department at Montgomery College Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus, hosted a blood drive on Oct. 29 at the Health Sciences Center.
The event, organized by Red Cross representatives and the nursing department volunteers, addresses the need to donate blood to help those in dire need, such as people who need heart surgeries and organ transplants.
According to Sabrina Bielefeldt, nursing professor and blood drive volunteer, the Red Cross collected 21 blood units with the participation of students, staff, faculty, and community members.
Bielefeldt has donated at every blood drive she has coordinated.
“After each donation, the American Red Cross shares where your blood has been distributed – it is a wonderful feeling,” she said.
The blood drive’s success depended on the work of Red Cross coordinators like Patricia Friedman, who regularly collaborated with colleges and universities like Montgomery College throughout the academic year.
According to Friedman, The Red Cross also holds blood drives at the other MC campuses in Rockville and Germantown.
Professors Nwamata Oparaoji and Tokunbo Atewologun, staff members from the nursing department besides Bielefeldt, were volunteers and coordinators who made these blood drive events possible.
“Blood donations are in high demand, and there is not enough blood in the hospitals,” Oparaoji said. “These blood drives are set up so that when hospitals need them, they have them ready to be sent to these places.”
Bielefeldt, who has been coordinating with the Red Cross Blood Drive since 2017, highlighted the importance of these events as learning opportunities for nursing students.
“Our nursing students are learning about how much of an impact this event can have on patient care in our community,” she said.
Atewologun spoke of the impact of this blood drive and stated that volunteering at a blood drive is a meaningful way to contribute to the community.
She said, “I believe seeing the staff’s initiative demonstrates how small, collective actions can profoundly impact the lives of patients who rely on blood transfusions for survival.”
With the growing need for blood donations, the Red Cross and the nursing program invited students, faculty, and community members to participate in future drives. Event details will be shared through Blackboard and social media.
“We always advertise and are open to as many volunteers and donors as we can accommodate,” Bielefeldt said. “The need for blood is greater than ever.”