On Thursday, February 18, more than 100 Moody Bible Institute students, faculty and staff donated blood at a Student Council (StuCo) sponsored drive. Carmen Cervantes, a LifeSource Account Manager, commended Moody’s blood drives and especially appreciated this latest one, which she said “will touch the lives of more than 200 patients.”

“Every two seconds someone needs blood and nine out of 10 people will need blood during the course of their lifetimes,” Cervantes stated. She also explained that most blood has to be imported to Chicago because out of the 40 percent of its population who are able to donate, only three percent do. This compares to 60 percent eligibility and five percent average active blood donation nationwide.

StuCo has been organizing blood drives for the last decade. Matthew Leon, sophomore systematic theology major, who serves as StuCo’s Treasurer and leads StuCo’s Social Awareness Committee said, “As we think about how we, as a Bible college, can impact Chicago for the sake of the gospel, this is a great avenue. LifeSource is the main blood donation service in Chicago and is always looking for donors. As young, healthy students this is a good way to give back to Chicago.” Moody set a record contribution last semester and gave generously during this semester’s six-hour event as well.

Cervantes emphasized that most people can donate, but often have misconceptions about the donation process or have simply never been asked. She also noted that Moody students’ usual disqualifications include having traveled overseas (increased risk of blood-borne diseases) or not having enough iron (caused by anemia or an unhealthy diet); however, these are usually only temporary deferrals, sometimes remedied in a single night’s sleep.

Addressing many people’s needle phobia, Cervantes said, “a little personal discomfort is small compared to the reoccurring trauma of other persons in need.”

Modified Article by Philip Glader. Courtesy of The Moody Standard, Volume 75:9, March 2, 2010.