Published on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Blog
A Community Coming Together for a Lifesaving Cause
At Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois, something special happened on March 19th. Students, faculty, and community members rolled up their sleeves at the A. Lincoln Commons Building for an ABO College Drive that resulted in 13 pints of whole blood collected. Each donation represented someone's choice to give the gift of life, showing how college blood drives create powerful opportunities for community impact.
Bobby, a long-time donor, shared her personal connection to the cause: "I donate in honor of my mother who lost her leg in a horrible car crash. She needed three blood transfusions and it was from that moment on I knew how important blood donation was. It's been over 50 years and I still continue to donate to this day."
Stories like Bobby's remind us why college blood drives matter so much. They bring together people from all walks of life, united by the simple desire to help others in need. LLCC has been a wonderful partner in hosting these drives, creating a welcoming space where giving back becomes part of campus culture.
Healthcare Educators Leading by Example through Blood Donation
When healthcare educators participate in blood drives, they bring a unique perspective that inspires others. At the LLCC blood drive, healthcare professionals showed commitment to teaching and practicing lifesaving generosity.
Cynthia, who serves as both a registered blood donor and Dean of Health Programs at the college, offered this insight: "As a former RN, I know the impacts the blood supply can have to help save lives first hand. Now that I'm Dean of Health Programs here at LLCC, I share that urgency to donate with colleagues and students whenever there's a drive coming up."
Her words highlight how blood drives on college campuses create perfect teaching moments. Students in healthcare fields get to witness their instructors practicing what they preach, creating a powerful cycle of giving. This ABO College Drive showed how education and action go hand-in-hand, with faculty members demonstrating the importance of blood donation through their own participation.
Breaking Through Fears: First-Time Donors Make Their Mark
One of the greatest parts of any blood drive is welcoming first-time donors. The LLCC ABO College Drive was no exception, with several students taking that brave first step.
Emily, an English teacher experiencing her first donation, shared: "I'm donating for the first time! I've always wanted to donate but I've had a fear of needles. The process was easy and turns out I had nothing to worry about!"
Her experience mirrors what many first-timers discover at college blood drives – that the anticipation is often worse than the actual donation. The supportive environment at LLCC helped donors like Emily move past their hesitations and discover the rewarding feeling of knowing their blood might save someone's life.
College blood drives excel at creating supportive spaces where people can overcome their fears in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. The success of this ABO College Drive shows how important educational institutions are in helping maintain our community blood supply by introducing new donors to the lifesaving habit of regular donation. Lincoln Land Community College finished the day by donating 13 pints of whole blood, saving almost 40 lives.