November blood drive aims to further Penn College supremacy

Penn College, which holds the title as the top collection site within its American Red Cross Blood Services region, hopes to continue those award-winning ways during a mid-November drive in Penn's Inn. Bloodmobiles hosted by College Health Services garnered 504 pints last year, an impressive total even though bad weather forced costly collection cancellations. Marge Smith, an account manager for Blood Services' Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, said Penn College has averaged 660 units over the past four years in spite of losing multiple days to snowstorms. As each pint potentially saves three lives, the public impact of college blood donors speaks for itself. "The Red Cross knows we can count on you," she said. "Thank you for helping us make a difference." The college's success also resulted in a Certificate of Recognition from Red Cross' Premier Blood Partners Program. "Your support is critical to our lifesaving mission," the document states. "Each year we deliver nearly 7 million blood products to hospital patients – and we could not do it without you." Next month's drive, scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 13-14, will add to the 377 units collected during the year to date. Schedule a visit online and use the convenient RapidPass to complete the pre-donation readings and health history questions on appointment day.