NDA students are encouraged to participate in this year’s blood drive on January 25 from 8:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to help save lives, visit friends and enjoy snacks.

“We have 88 available appointment times, and we hope to collect at least 56 units of blood,” said  Zita Lulloff, who is the blood drive coordinator.  “Each donor gives one unit, and, of course, sometimes people aren’t able to donate because of iron levels or other conditions.”

Blood donations are crucial for patients to receive medical care. Blood can be used for trauma or blood disorders, and each donation can save up to three lives.

“The actual donation takes about five minutes, but the entire process usually takes about 30-45 minutes,” explained Lulloff.

Donors must first go through a screening process to check hemoglobin levels and see if one is eligible to donate.  After the blood donation process, donors wait in the “canteen” to ensure one is not experiencing negative side effects. Juice and snacks will also be provided.

“We walk around during lunch two weeks before the drive and recruit people to donate. You can also contact me, Frannie Wied or Mrs. Waters,” said Lulloff.

Lulloff took the role as blood drive coordinator after Mia Lemkuil asked her to help out during her sophomore year.

“I did not really know what it entailed at first, but I took on the role. Now, I love doing blood drives because of how many people it helps. I donate myself, so that makes it even more rewarding.”

Lulloff expressed she loves “the recruiting process and getting to talk to people when they come to donate.”

Junior Frannie Wied is working under Lulloff this year, and she will be taking over as blood drive coordinator next year. Lulloff commented she is “currently going through the process of finding someone to work alongside Wied.”