Forty Hawklets saved lives on Dec. 7 by participating in the annual blood drive for Community Blood Center.

Those members of the Rockhurst community made their donations in the Loyola Gym. Assistant Principal for Student Life Chris Bosco, who helped organize the blood drive, looked at it as a great opportunity for Rockhurst’s community to step up to the plate.

“We understand that there is always a critical need for blood supply to local hospitals,” Bosco said. “We want to educate people on the need for blood donations.”

According to Cierra Arterburn, who works for Community Blood Center, this need is far greater than many realize.

 “Blood products cannot be manufactured,” Arterburn said. “If a patient in a hospital is in need of blood products, there is no other way to save their life other than providing them with blood donated by another human being.”

She also claims that the recent pandemic has led to a “chronic shortage” in blood products available to hospitals. With this in mind, blood donation is as important as ever. Still, Arterburn recognizes the challenge of recruiting donors.

“I believe people don’t donate due to a number of reasons, but most commonly, they’ve never been asked.”

However, an act as simple as donating blood can have a tremendous impact on the recipient and their family. Arterburn experienced this impact first-hand in early December when her dad underwent open heart surgery.

“During that surgery he was experiencing blood loss,” Arterburn said. “Had he not received blood from someone who selflessly donated, he would not be here today.”

Charlie Gormsen, a junior at Rockhurst, is one of the donors who attended the blood drive. He looked forward to the chance to contribute to a good cause.

“I was definitely happy to donate,” Gormsen said. “I know that it is a safe way to help others out.”

The average blood donor usually gives about one pint of blood. According to Community Blood Center, this pint of blood can save up to three lives.