Photo by Ana Cordova

By Ana Cordova

Loyola University Chicago students donated more than 50 pints of blood Monday in the first blood drive of the spring 2012 semester.

The event took place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in McCormick Lounge inside Coffey Hall at the Lake Shore Campus. The event was sponsored by the American Red Cross along with the university’s American Red Cross chapter.

“Today has been a very successful day. Students have been able to donate more than 50 pints of blood…that is incredible,” said Mario Meza, phlebotomist collection tech with the American Red Cross. “In the Willis Tower, on average people are able to donate about 35 pints.

“It is very important for us to come to college campuses,” Meza continued. “Students are very willing to help by giving a moment of their day to donate. Previous blood drives at Loyola have proven to be a great success, today is no exception.”

Only three out of 100 Americans donate blood, according to the American Red Cross.

“Around 45 students came in to donate blood, said Jessica Macwan, 21, a senior biology major and member of the American Red Cross university chapter. “Although it may seem like a small amount of students, the amount of blood donated will benefit many.”

“I came to donate blood because I know that there is always a shortage of blood, and by me doing this, I am helping the lives of three people. It is very important for us to participate in these kinds of drives,” said Hannah Trout, 18, a freshman biology major.

The next blood drive is expected to be held by the end of March. For more information on donating, contact the Loyola American Red Cross chapter at its LUC American Red Cross Facebook page.

“Now that I have donated for the first time and know how important it is,” said Gabby Ruggiero, 20, a junior criminal justice major. “I am definitely coming back in March for the next drive.”