RLC Nursing Club hosting “We Challenge U” Red Cross blood drive

INA, Ill. (Dec. 16, 2014) - Join in and give a great gift this season as the Rend Lake College Nursing Club helps the American Red Cross compile a much-needed blood supply this winter.

The club is asking the community, faculty, staff, and fellow students to join them at the “We Challenge U” blood drive from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 and Wednesday, Jan. 21 in the South Oasis on the RLC campus in Ina.

“We Challenge U” is a friendly competition which encourages students to get involved in the community by organizing Red Cross blood drives and recruiting college staff and friends to donate blood during the winter months, when blood donations are at their lowest. Donors will receive a Red Cross T-shirt for donating, while supplies last.

At the end of the competition, the student blood drive coordinator whose drive collects the highest percent of the established blood collection goal in each of the three Red Cross Blood Services Divisions will win a $500 gift card. Additionally, all blood drive coordinators whose blood drives meet or exceed set goals will be eligible to win one of five $100 gift cards.

“The Nursing Club has two goals for this blood drive. First, we want to raise awareness of the increased need for blood donations during this time of the year,” said Melisa Berendson, Director of Nursing. “We’re also hoping to get more than 30 units of blood donations each day to give us a chance to win a gift card. The students want to take a field trip to one of the teaching hospitals in St. Louis - either Barnes or St. Louis University - to attend a seminar, and the gift cards would certainly help with that endeavor.”

According to the American Red Cross, donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20 percent of donations through the Red Cross. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

“Donating blood takes about an hour of your time and could help save up to three lives,” said Ann Venhaus, American Red Cross account manager. “I challenge all of you to roll up a sleeve and give blood at our upcoming drive. Donating blood is an easy way to volunteer, and it helps patients in need.”

For more information about the blood drive, contact Ann Venhaus at (217) 317-0488. To learn more about the RLC Nursing Club, contact the Allied Health Division at (618) 437-5321, Ext. 1251. RLC donors are encouraged to download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment to donate using the sponsor code “RendLake.”