Life-saving event on campus: Marketing Management class calls campus community to action

Next week, ImpactLife will return to Kirkwood Community College to assist with the second on-campus blood drive this year.  The event will be held in Iowa Hall on Tuesday, April 15, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  The drive is hosted by Kirkwood’s Marketing Management class, led by Instructor Tara Allen.   

Donors may register for the event by scanning the QR code which can be found on fliers across campus and on page 5 of this issue. This is a limited capacity event, so participants are encouraged to sign up sooner than later. Walk-ins will be accepted if there is space remaining. 

The majority of the blood collected will be sent to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City but will also be used treat adult patients and physical trauma victims at other locations.  In addition to collecting blood, participants can also donate plasma. 

While the blood drive is a boon in and of itself, Marketing Management is also collaborating with Student Life in the spirit of drawing campuswide involvement. The blood drive is one segment of a competition between each of Kirkwood’s various clubs and student organizations.   

“The coordination with Student Life is that if you are involved in a club, it doesn’t matter how many, and you give, you are going to get a point toward winning the club trophy at the spring banquet,” said Allen. Students who are involved with multiple clubs will gain a point for each club. Some students may not be able to give blood, but there is still a way for everyone to make an impact. 

“Say you don’t want to give blood, or you know you can’t give blood. You can still give,” said Allen.  

In conjunction with the blood drive, the Marketing Management class will also be hosting a hygiene drive which will be active until the day of the blood drive. Students may donate hygiene items which will be supplied to the homeless and those who find themselves in severe financial difficulties. The drop off location for hygiene items is in Nielson Hall Room 203.   

For those who want to give blood or plasma but are squeamish around needles, don’t fret.  The blood drive will supply VR headsets which can preoccupy nervous donors. 

 “You play a game with your pupils,” said Allen. “You can still see out, but it engages you just enough so that they can do their job.” 

The procedure typically lasts about 15 minutes, so if donors want something to do to keep their mind occupied, just ask for a headset.  Sammy the Eagle will also be a the drive.