Allyson Barrera ‘27
On Oct.9, Sarah Lawrence College is slated to host its second blood drive since reinstating the event after a 20-year hiatus. In partnership with The American Red Cross Foundation and the Pre Health Student Alliance of SLC, the blood drive will take place at the Barbara Walters Campus Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From students to staff to faculty, everyone is encouraged to sign up and participate in this initiative. After all this time, it looks like blood drives at Sarah Lawrence are here to stay!
The history of blood drives on campus is rooted in a complicated and controversial past. Willa Dana '26 explained in her article that the last blood drive held on campus occurred in the fall of 2003, sparking a campus-wide controversy due to the FDA's discriminatory policies at the time. Students who wanted to participate were required to complete a Donor History Questionnaire, and the guidelines specifically targeted and prevented queer men from donating. Since the Fall of 2003, the college imposed a ban on this event. However, under new 2023 FDA policies, the college sought to reinstate this program. Through these new guidelines, individuals are screened based on their sexual behavior, rather than sexual identity, making it possible for the college to once again align itself with both FDA policy and its own commitment to non-discrimination.
The upcoming Oct. 9 blood drive is an opportunity for our entire college community to directly impact lives across the country. According to the American Red Cross Foundation, every two seconds someone in the U.S. is in need of blood for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illness, traumatic injuries, and more. While The Red Cross provides about 40% of the nation's blood and blood components, only a fraction of eligible people donate.
For Sarah Lawrence, this blood drive symbolizes more than just an opportunity to give back; it represents the progress and healing of our school community and our lasting commitment to advocacy and activism. Whether you are a first-time donor, or not, your contribution makes a difference.
Sign up here to donate and contact prehealthcommunity@gm.slc.edu with questions.