Virtual Blood Drive

Life can change at any moment; someday, we might find ourselves in a situation where we may require a blood bag to survive. Many people are living this reality right now. By donating, you can help someone who is struggling and be a hero in the face of an extremely stressful and harsh situation. Please consider donating blood through this blood drive, as we are facing a nation-wide blood shortage and you have the opportunity to save someone else’s life and provide relief to their family, friends, and loved ones. Personally, I have donated with Vitalant twice now and have enjoyed the process of giving blood each time! Therefore, I highly recommend giving blood through one of their locations and am very familiar with the process of donating if you have any questions or need help with the process of signing up. If you aren’t entirely convinced yet, I have noticed benefits other than saving someone else’s life (although that is certainly the most rewarding result of blood donation to me). Firstly, when you donate blood you essentially get a mini physical, which reports on your red blood cell counts and other information that can inform you on critical aspects to your health, while also reminding you of your blood type if you don’t know it! Secondly, I have genuinely seen an improvement in my mental health and physical health in the weeks following my donations. Not only does it feel good to know you are helping other people; donating often requires you to take a rest day or two, which is a reminder to slow down and take care of yourself for all that you give to the world. I have often found myself with more energy and rejuvenated after donating blood. Getting that notification that your blood was used to save someone else’s life is so heartwarming and will undoubtedly brighten your (and many other people’s) day. But don’t just take my word for it, the University of Columbia has found multiple benefits of donating blood, including lowering blood pressure, reduced risk of heart attacks, and often lowering risk for depression (similar to the mental health benefits of participating in other forms of volunteering and charity). In addition, for each donation through this blood drive, I earn credits towards potentially receiving a scholarship from Vitalant. If just 10 people donate, I can earn over $200 towards my education at UC Berkeley. As a low-income student who is putting herself through college via hard work, two jobs, and many scholarship applications, your contribution is recognized and sincerely appreciated. Not only are you helping someone in dire medical need, you also are helping me fund my education at no monetary expense. In fact, if you create a rewards account with Vitalant, you can earn rewards through blood donation, including the option to donate money to a charity of your choosing with your rewards credits. Even if you ultimately decide not to donate through this virtual blood drive, I am very grateful for you taking some time to look and read this far. Thank you so much and please consider sharing this virtual blood drive with family and friends.