Two cups, one hour, four lives

Fanshawe's October Blood Donor Clinic started out with a prick on Monday. With several dozen students donating blood, many were asked to wait or to return when the flow had clotted.

A major road-block in the way of this easy way to save lives was on Fanshawe's medical chart.

The mumps vaccine that was offered free of charge to all students secluded many students who received their dose during the first week of October. All of those injected will have to wait at least a month before donating again.

Justin Zwambag, a first time blood donor, said he wanted to do something to help others. Nurses walked him though his medical questionnaire, checked the levels of his blood, as well as his body temperature and blood pressure. On to the lounge chair. Arm out, needle in, one, two, three. OUCH.

A small price in pain to save up to four people's lives. One person's donation can be used for anything from cancer treatment to motorcycle collisions.

Four hundred to 45 millilitres and 15 minutes later, the needle is out and it's in the bag, blood that is. Separated into four bags to be tested then made into, what Canadian Blood Services calls blood products, including whole blood, normal blood and stem cells.

After donating a short wait. Choice of coffee, tea, pop or juice, as well as an odd assortment of cookies and snacks.

The Canadian Blood Services website credits its donors, which without with Canada would have no system to donate and receive blood completely free of charge.

Holding the donor clinic on campus during the day did create a bit of unwanted pressure. Some students spoken with, who didn't want to be named, said they felt like they were being forced to donate and it seemed they couldn't say no because they didn't feel they had a choice as the clinic was on campus. Canadian Blood Services has a strict policy, only those who are willing to donate are accepted. If for any reason you don't want to donate or feel for health reasons your blood shouldn't be used, that's fine.

“It didn't hurt much at all just a little prick,” Zwambag said when asked about the pain of the needle.

Could be just a little prick but it's a big heart.

Canadian Blood Services is always looking for volunteers and donors. Contact Careers Services in the Student Success Center in F2010.

www.bloodservices.ca