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A spirit that is not afraid

Beat Bama Blood Drive proves Auburn blood runs pure orange

The fierce rivalry between Alabama and Auburn cuts deep, but with the annual Beat Bama Blood Drive, the rivalry is channeled into a way to help people.
This year, Auburn was able to say they beat Bama in one aspect: saving lives.
Four hundred and nine people gave blood in the Auburn Student Center Ballroom Nov. 5-7, totaling 296 units of blood, which could potentially save the lives of 888 people.
The amount of blood was approximately twice Alabama's 151 units collected.
The Student Government Association worked with the American Red Cross to coordinate the blood drive and make sure it was a success.
"I'm here to work out all the details so on the day of, our nurses can come in and help people donate," said Rebekah Noel, donor recruitment representative with the American Red Cross.
Kayla Jones, graduate adviser for the SGA, helped coordinate the blood drive.
"The SGA was responsible for donating food, publicizing the event, bringing in volunteers and working with the ARC to make the blood drive a success," Jones said.
The ARC provided all of the marketing posters and refreshments to keep the donors hydrated and feeling healthy after giving blood.
Once a donor entered the blood drive, they were given a folder with all the information a donor needed to know before donating. It also dictated who was eligible to give blood.
A nurse was assigned to each donor and asked mandatory and basic questions. The donation process takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Will Youngblood, freshman in pre-chemistry education, donated at the blood drive this year.
"It was actually my first time giving blood," Youngblood said. "My mom and stepdad had given for years, but I never had the chance until today. It's been a good experience."
The Red Cross Club and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the health professional honor society at Auburn, also helped by volunteering with the blood drive.
"With every person that donated blood this week, Sam's Club donated a canned good," said Leanna Barker, president of the Beat Bama Food Drive. "SGA reached out to us and we helped promote the event."
Every student who donated blood received a free T-shirt and coupons to Jack's and Chappy's Deli.
Donors could also pass the time watching reruns of past Auburn football games, such as the 2010 Iron Bowl and National Championship.
The SGA raffled off Kinnucan's gift cards and a football signed by head coach Gus Malzahn.
"Donors often feel a little nervous and anxious about giving blood," Noel said. "But it is very easy to donate, especially here at Auburn, because it is such a laid back environment."


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