By Katherine Buerke ‘26, staff writer
LVC will be holding a blood drive in partnership with the Central PA Blood Bank next Thursday, February 26, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. outside Mund.
Donating blood is a direct way to impact people in the community, and all students are encouraged to participate.
“LVC is blessed to work with Central PA Blood Bank once again right on our campus, especially with the current blood shortage,” Dr. Brandy Leininger, director of service and community engagement, said. “This is a way that our community can make a direct impact to help save patients’ lives.”
In order to donate, students are required to have some form of identification. Registration for half-hour time slots can be completed online beforehand, or at a table in Mund during the event. Leininger notes that priority will be given to students who register in advance, though walk-ins are permitted.
Those who donate will receive a t-shirt, a Starbucks drink, vouchers to attend the Harrisburg Comedy Zone, and more.
“One person donating can benefit many people—you may impact more than just one person’s life, which is really cool,” Joannah Doutrich, registered staff nurse at the Shroyer Health Center, said.
Students should be aware of proper protocol when donating. Before donating blood, participants should make sure to eat a full meal and be properly hydrated to avoiding passing out. Everyone who is donating will also be screened beforehand to ensure there are no medical restrictions present.
Donating blood can be physically draining, so Doutrich advises setting aside time to recuperate after participating.
“Try not to go straight into class or test afterwards,” Doutrich said.
Students can register online for donation time slots here: https://donate.717giveblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/41768.
