Bulldogs come together to help save lives

This week Fresno State students and faculty are donating blood to help the Central Valley during a dire shortage. 

According to the Central Valley Blood Center, 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood must be collected per month to meet the needs of patients in the community.

To help with this need, Bulldogs have the chance to donate all week at various locations throughout campus. 

Some faculty members donate regularly, keeping in mind that it might be them one day who needs the help.

Fresno State alumna and faculty member Sonya Peña has been a student advisor for over five years and has donated blood almost every year.

“I just like knowing it’s going to help someone,” Peña said. “I’m healthy, and I want to help someone now while I’m healthy, and who knows in the future if I’m going to need a blood donation. Just knowing that there’s a need when I can I want to help out.”

Prior to the pandemic, Peña would donate three times a year. After not donating for two years, she is happy to be able to help again.

Peña encourages all who can to donate while assuring those who may be nervous, that the process is safe and comforting.

“There is always someone with you and they are constantly checking on you,” Peña said. 

The Central California Blood Center will be on campus all week, giving students and staff more time to donate. 

For more information on where and how to donate, visit donateblood.org.