Bloody good cause

American Red Cross officials hope to collect 1,400 pints of blood at the University of Arizona during their week-long visit.

Vikki Fernette, the Red Cross's event coordinator, said all of the organization's southern Arizona staff and facilities will be at the UA to draw blood for 27 area hospitals.

"In order to support the need of patients, we have to have 280 pints every day," she said. "We will not be drawing blood anywhere else in southern Arizona."

Fernette said the Red Cross will need staffers from its Phoenix facility to help at the UA. She also said they need about 1,600 students, faculty and staff to donate.

Last year, the Red Cross collected 1,203 pints of blood at the UA, she said.

The competition with ASU, Fernette said, started in 1987 when fraternities and sororities decided to make donating a fun event.

"It tends to be a social hour," she said.

Political figures are also expected at the drive this week, including Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) and Democratic UA political science professor Tom Volgy, who is running against Kolbe.

"I've asked them to show support for the UA and the Red Cross blood program," Fernette said.

George Gobble, Kolbe's campaign director, said Friday that Kolbe has donated blood in past years' drives, and that he encourages community activism of that kind.

"He will tour the facility and encourage everyone to keep up the good work," Gobble said.

Fernette said Kolbe is scheduled to visit Coronado Residence Hall Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., while Volgy will appear at the Memorial Student Union Senior Ballroom Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Fernette said she visited all hall governments to advertise the drive because dorms also play an important role.

The Red Cross is expecting 100 pints from Coronado residents, about 80 pints from Manzanita-Mohave Hall residents and about 65 pints from La Paz Hall residents, she said.

Red Cross stations will be located at many other parts of campus, including the Student Union and the College of Nursing.

Fernette said the Student Union site will probably give the Red Cross about 150-175 pints by the end of the week.

Everyone who gives blood, Fernette said, will receive a free T-shirt.

But the event is more than a way to compete with ASU or get a free shirt, she said.

"The UA happens to be the single largest contributor to the blood program," she said. "I can come here at any time when there is a shortage and they come through every time."

David J. Cieslak can be reached via e-mail at David.J.Cieslak@wildcat.arizona.edu.