This year, the annual blood drive did not go as smoothly as planned on Feb. 12. Adverse weather conditions caused by excess snowfall prompted a late start and most of the appointments were thrown off schedule, making the process for the Red Cross staff more difficult and made donating no longer possible for some.

To help keep things on track, USC worked throughout the day in order to reschedule those appointments that had been missed. Countless students and teachers participated in giving blood, netting 26 units.

“The blood drive is such an important event: every student that comes is saving countless lives. USC has spent most of the year planning and preparing for today and I am so happy with everyone that has shown up so far,” Maya Choi said.

Student after student walked into the small gym ready to give blood. The process to donate is not a short one, even though the actual donation part of the appointment is brief. First, participants had to read multiple contracts, informational signs and packets. After, they were questioned by some of the Red Cross staff about their medical history. Then students proceeded to lay on big blue mats, next to which were multitudes of equipment. The process of taking the blood is actually quite short and sweet.

After the procedure, students and faculty sit in a separate room and eat sweets to make sure their glucose levels are within normal range. Once they can stand without feeling dizzy, they are allowed to leave.

Even though there was a setback because of the weather, the blood drive nearly met USCs goal of donating 30 units, and as a thank you, the Red Cross delivered t-shirts to our donors.