In late November, the O'Connell Health Services Club held the first of two blood drives scheduled for this school year. Members of the club, led by senior Olivia Giaquinto, began working weeks in advance to promote the event and register donors. On the day of the drive, the club members were responsible for signing donors in and providing support, comfort and snacks to all those who gave blood. Before and after the event they all pitched in to set up and clean up, too.
As a result, 52 units of blood were donated through INOVA Blood Donor Services to meet critical needs in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. This can ultimately provide blood for 156 patients.
"I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the O'Connell community," said Alicia Doran, athletic trainer and first-year Health Club moderator. "And I am especially grateful to the club members who did a tremendous job preparing and executing this event."
The spring blood drive is scheduled for March 15. Be a donor by giving the gift of life.