UA passes goal to beat ASU in blood donor challenge

The University of Arizona exceeded its goal by 20 with 1,420 donors, while 1,157 people gave blood at Arizona State University.

"I knew darn well the university would do it," said Vicki Fernette, American Red Cross event coordinator and UA alumna.

Fernette watched the number of donors rise to exceed the goal as the week progressed.

"I mean it was the biggest high, just because we attempted 1,400 (pints) there were people that had to be turned away - more than 1,400 by far," Fernette said.

ASU fell short of its 1,200-pint goal.

Students who knew Friday that the UA had won the race still donated blood, Fernette said.

"The UA not only excels academically and athletically, but they're great humanitarians as well," she said.

One pint of blood benefits four patients, Fernette said.

Blood will be used in transfusions, and for trauma and accident patients.

It can be separated into plasma for treating burns and wounds, and platelets for cancer patients. Cyro, a substance manufactured from platelets, can stop the bleeding for hemophiliacs during surgery.

The need for blood is great, and student donations are welcomed by the Red Cross.

"I think it's fantastic that young people are getting involved - it gives me faith about them," said Howard Mink, a medical unit assistant for the Red Cross.

Mink is the blood drive "driver." He packages blood to be transported to the Red Cross national testing center in Portland, Ore.

"You meet a lot of nice people," he said. "Donors are special people."

Colleen Valker, a political science sophomore, said that when she was young she used to watch her father donate blood.

"It's one of my causes - one of the things I truly believe in," Valker said. "I always encourage people to give blood."

Valker gave seven pints of blood over the last two years. The pint she contributed last week made her a gallon blood donor.

"Plus we beat ASU, so there is more reason to do it," Valker said.

This is the 12th year of the blood drive, which started as a challenge between two fraternities. Last year the UA collected 1,203 pints of blood.

"The goal will absolutely be 1,600 next year," Fernette said.

Red Cross also tested bone marrow Thursday and Friday. About 175 people were put into a potential donor pool. About 115 minorities, whose donor pool numbers are low, participated.

"There was a better turnout for minorities," said Suzanne Powell, coordinator of bone-marrow registry. "Last year we had it for three days - 50 people each day."

Those who received vouchers for a free T-shirt can pick them up today and tomorrow in front of the Memorial Student Union Senior Ballroom.

Irene Hsiao can be reached via e-mail at Irene.Hsiao@wildcat.arizona.edu.