California Baptist University students participated in the SSP Blood Drive from Jan. 27 to 29, donating blood to help save lives.
Since COVID-19, blood donations have fluctuated, creating challenges for maintaining a stable blood supply. CBU has continued to hold blood drives each semester, contributing to the community. During the last blood drive on campus, LifeStream Blood Bank reached its goal of 45 donations on the first two days and 55 on the final day, Jan. 29.
Blood donations are essential because human blood cannot be manufactured. No lab can create it, so it must be donated for those in need.
Jacob Peykani, regional account manager at LifeStream Blood Bank, spoke about how donated blood helps both the community and lives across Southern California.
“We work with over 80 hospitals all across Southern California. Most of those hospitals are the primary supplier of blood products, using them for emergency situations,” Peykani said.
He also explained that almost every week, he hears about someone in need of a liver transplant. A liver transplant requires between 30 and 50 blood donations, making blood donors crucial in saving lives. A single blood donation can save up to three lives.
Not only did donations from CBU’s SSP Blood Drive help those in need, but they also supported students attending an ISP/USP trip this summer. These students will spread God’s word both locally and globally. When donating blood, participants could name a student attending an ISP/USP trip, contributing $20 toward that student’s project cost.
Meray Saad, sophomore nursing major, attending an ISP trip this summer, donated blood and expressed how empowering it felt to contribute to saving lives.
“You have the power to make an impact and help someone who is in need of blood. The Lord designed us in that way [to have so much blood]; it’s amazing to think we can use something we already have to help someone else,” Saad said.
Donating blood is an easy way to support the community and make a meaningful impact. This simple act of kindness can have a lasting effect. Peykani encouraged others to donate, emphasizing the power of a single donation.
“Go for it, ’cause it could really go a long way to save somebody’s life or help them out with a procedure of some kind,” Peykani said.
While this blood drive has ended, the need for donations continues. Consider rolling up your sleeve at the next opportunity to make a difference. Keep an eye out for the next CBU blood drive.
