Red Cross Bus Gets its Fill

Monarchs donate blood faster with RAPIDPASS.

By: Sara Lemon, Staff Writer

Jacqueline Trejo donating blood for the second time with the American Red Cross during Valley College’s blood drive. (Astrid Cortez for the Valley Star).

The American Red Cross  Mobile Bus arrived at Valley College on April 11 to host what turned out to be a non-stop parade of people donating blood. 

The event was such a success that the onsite team discussed when they could return to Valley.

Volunteer Jaxon Smith led the check-ins, reminding walk up appointments that they could expedite their donation via the RAPIDPASS® program, and save 15 minutes. 

“This one-day event at Valley, has been a success and a popular idea, the odds are very likely we will return soon,” said Smith. 

Early for their blood donation appointment, were Valley Calworks office staff Susan Saethong and Alicen Vera. Susan humbly shared that today marked her seventy-sixth blood donation. Alicen shared this was her third donation, but not her last.

“I am inspired by my co-worker Susan’s dedication to serving the community and country through her blood donations. Also, I received a life saving blood transfusion, so I want to give back,” said Alicen. 

Valley graduate to CSUN transfer, Jesse Lopez, received an email from ARC about the blood drive and was happy to return to campus to donate blood. 

“The process is easy with RAPIDPASS, I was able to pre-register to speed up the donation process. When my friends ask me why I donate, I say because it is an easy way to be of service to those in need.” 

Jennie Griggs, RN was in charge of the on-campus blood drive for the AMR, “The blood drive is going fantastic,” she said. 

“It has been quite busy, Valley College has been a great sponsor for us. Every blood type is always needed, O Positive is the most common blood type so that is always at the top of our list. O Negative is the universal donor, if someone is in the hospital and the blood type needed is not available the doctor can give the patient O Negative. We have a series of health history questions we ask each donor, the Pass is completed the day of donation. Water intake, being hydrated and avoiding caffeine is essential to a successful experience.  

The American National Red Cross, is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States where a person needs blood every 3 seconds. 

“Every donation on average saves up to two lives,” said Jennifer Griggs RN, ARC.