Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Saving lives made easier for students 3/8/2011

Giving Blood Helps....save lives!


by Ashley Fluharty
    Right before giving blood, people will look at the shining needle that is getting ready to pierce the skin. Thoughts can start to buzz through the mind. What if something goes wrong?
    The idea of a needle breaking the skin could be the main reason that someone would not want to donate blood.
    However, due to the large outcome of the most recent blood drive on campus, the fear seems to be minor in the eyes of students and faculty.
    Donating blood is a completely safe and sanitary way to help someone during times of need.
        Joshua Campbell, a member of Student Government Association (SGA), donated during the event. Although it was not his first time donating, he feels it is his obligation to society to give blood. “It feels really good,” Campbell said, "It's humbling to know that you did something good for the common public.”
    Though some were not afraid to give blood, others were on the other side of the fence.
    “I was scared to death,” Daniel Sandbrook, another member of SGA, said. “I had never given blood before. I was one of the first ones to do it. I wanted to show my fellow students that if I could be afraid and do it, then anyone could.”
    Afterwards, aside from feeling slightly light-headed, Sandbrook said he felt good, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders knowing that he could possibly save a life.
    Members of the faculty were also taking part in donating.
    Kurt A. Klettner, counselor for students, also gave blood. He feels that it's very important that people donate blood, a long with being an organ donor.
    “Giving blood is a personal challenge for me,” Klettner said. “I have a fear of needles. Part of me always wanted to give, but part of me did not want to at the same time.”
    Knowing that there are many students who want to give blood, but are too afraid, Klettner understands this problem. He is willing to meet with anyone who would like to have help to get through that situation.
    Klettner had given blood before, but he had to use some of his own counseling methods to help him gather the courage to actually donate blood.
    By using positive thought and dealing with anxiety, the hardest part for him was getting the needle to break the skin and having that out of the way.
    “Giving blood is a way that we can share with others in their time of need,” Klettner said. “It can be the difference between someone’s good or bad health.”
    Klettner has joined the faculty in August 2010, but he donated blood during two other campus drives.
    “The college is a large institution with a focus on serving the students. It’s a very special gift to give, and you don’t even have to leave the campus,” Klettner said. “I feel more inclined to give all the time. The college giving the opportunity to donate is very convenient.”
    Klettner said he feels very proud that college students and staff are willing to take the time to give a person the gift of life.
                “It feels good to know that we can impact someone’s being,” Klettner said. “It’s a fantastic feeling.”

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