Carolina Blood Drive helps save lives
April 30 marks the 37th annual drive, and Tar Heels will donate for all kinds of reasons.
Over the past 37 years, Carolina students, faculty and staff have helped to save over 120,000 lives through Carolina Blood Drive. This year’s drive will take place April 30 at the Dean E. Smith Center, adding to that count.
Arlene Medder is inspired by her mother to donate blood each year. (Submitted photo)
Why donate? Donors have many different reasons. Hear from several past donors and blood drive committee members as they talk about why participating in the blood drive is important to them.
Arlene Medder
Administrative support associate, Finance and Operations
“My mother worked most of her career as an emergency department nurse. She often saw people in the worst moment of their lives, and donated blood often saved lives. She encouraged me to start donating as soon as I turned 18, and she donated until she started medication that put her on the deferral list. After that, she volunteered at blood drives. I have often used my community service leave to make donations throughout the year.”
Katie Musgrove
Katie Musgrove has donated blood since she was in high school. (Submitted photo)
Program manager, UNC School of Law
“I found my passion for donating blood back in high school, where I co-led the planning effort for the annual drive in our gymnasium. When I started working for Carolina in 2014, I wanted to get involved with the Red Cross again and found my way to the Carolina Blood Drive planning committee and my work on the Employee Forum. I’ve donated at the winter and spring drives ever since. My Power Red donation at the upcoming blood drive on April 30 will mark three gallons of Carolina blue blood donated over the past 20 years.”
Susse Toro
Finance support analyst, Information Technology Services
“During a past blood drive, I went through the pre-screening process as part of the eligibility requirements. It was during this screening that I discovered my iron levels were dangerously low — far below what is considered a normal range. This finding was a wake-up call, and it prompted me to reach out to my primary care physician. Thanks to this discovery, I was able to begin a treatment plan to address my iron levels and take better care of my health.
“Now, I’m looking forward to participating in the blood drive again in April. I’m hopeful that with the steps I’ve taken, I’ll be eligible to donate and help others in need, just as I’ve been helped.
“Blood drives do so much more than provide life-saving donations; they can also serve as a critical health check. I’m incredibly grateful for the screening process that gave me this important information about my own well-being.”
The Carolina community is invited to the Smith Center to donate blood and support the University’s community service mission. For more information on volunteering or donating, visit carolinablooddrive.unc.edu.
