School of Law holds blood drive

By Andrew Worrall

Published Sept. 28, 2007

According to the American Red Cross, someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds, and more than a decade and a half ago, Elisabeth Alkier was one of those people.

At the age of 2, Alkier fell ill with a serious blood infection. Now a sophomore at MU, she found herself in the School of Law on Wednesday, waiting in line to donate blood.

"If people hadn't donated then, I'd be dead," Alkier said.

Wednesday's drive, sponsored by the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, collected 38 units of blood between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., surpassing its goal of 35 units.

"We are very happy with the results," Red Cross coordinator Rachel Talbott said. "The law school has a strong tradition of donating twice a year, and the fall (drive) is important."

According to the Red Cross, an accident victim needs between four and 100 units of red blood cells on average to survive, a baby born prematurely needs an average of one to four units and a leukemia patient needs an average of six to eight units every day for as many as four weeks.

Every donated unit has the potential to save up to three lives, according to the Red Cross.

Usually, each unit, referred to as whole blood, is separated into multiple components such as plasma, platelets and red blood cells. Then, each component can then be transfused to multiple individuals with different needs.

Talbott said the Red Cross supplies University Hospital with 90 percent of its blood supply.

Talbott said the total number of units donated Wednesday was slightly below average, but students usually wait to donate during the Homecoming blood drive.

Either way, the donations are needed, she said.

Michael Carney, a graduate student in the School of Law, said he has been a regular donor for the last six or seven years.

"Donating is an easy way to help out," Carney said. "It could save someone's life."

Students who donate should remember to drink healthy, non-caffeinated beverages on the day of their donation, Talbott said. They should eat three balanced meals the day prior to their donation and feel healthy for the two weeks preceding their donation.