TCU blood drive brings much needed units during a seasonal lull

Tri-City United High School’s blood drive brought in 36 units of blood during what is seasonally a lull for the American Red Cross. As a push for people to donate, the Red Cross was giving donors a $10 e-gift card to a movie merchant of their choice during the month of August.

This blood drive was put on with Tri-City United student coordinators Xiani Medina and Savannah Chapel. For Chapel, this was her second time helping coordinate a drive. This was Medina’s fifth blood drive she has helped coordinate.

“I think it’s fun to go around asking people. People rarely say no when you ask them in person,” Medina says. Medina has donated three times but became ineligible to donate until next March because she says she passed out on her last donation. She is looking forward to being able to donate again next spring.

Both students are very enthusiastic about coordinating the blood drive. “I like working with the Red Cross,” said Chapel. Chapel has donated blood twice.

Donating isn’t just for the young but also the young-at-heart. Montgomery resident Diane Eriksen is donating for her third time at 81-years-old. The first time she donated was only a few years ago. She says, “I just wanna help. Do it. There’s a great need for it,” says Eriksen.

Eriksen came prepared with a book but the collection tech helping her give blood, Amber Schwartz said, “People never read them.” Schwartz said that it only takes about 3-5 minutes of time with a needle actually in for donation. Eriksen says that the paperwork takes much longer than the actual donation.

A true leader showed up nearing the end of the blood drive who is no stranger to donating. TCU High School Principal Alan Fitterer stopped in to give his donation. Fitterer, previous to Thursday, has donated 74 units of blood. He’s not sure of the...

To see more on this story pick up the September 7, 2023 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger.