Blood-Mobile Makes a Stop at USF

By Jacob VanEngen

The Holiday Season is in full bloom and the time for giving has arrived. There is no better way to give back that to donate blood to those in need. The University of Sioux Falls recently participated in giving by hosting the community blood mobile.

The blood mobile made it’s annual trip over to the USF campus to receiving donations from students and staff. Professor of Exercise Science Rebecca Schultz describes how the tradition began.

“When we started the Mayors Cup challenge with Augustana, that was part of the challenge, but we actually kept beating Augie even though they are twice the size that we are. So they eliminated the drive from the competition.”

USF continues to host the blood mobile every year around the holiday season. One of the students who chose to donate was Junior Edwin Iraheta-Retana. He says why he chooses to donate each year.

“I choose to donate because it’s a good way to give back to people.” Iraheta-Retana says.

Iraheta-Retana says he likes the fact that with the local blood mobile he knows the blood is staying in the community.

The blood mobile also fulfills the USF statement “Culture for Service.”

“I think serving our community is very important to students and faculty of this campus and we see that with events like this.” Shultz says.

Since Shultz’s has been here she has seen 34 blood drives with over 1,200 donations that help almost 4,000 patients.

The donation process is easy, including a short interview prior to donating and donating time. It typically only takes about 15 minutes to donate says Iraheta-Retana.

If you missed your chance to donate, there is no need to worry because the blood mobile will return to USF in 2018.

Written by Cordell Wright | Jacob VanEngen & Casey Kelderman