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Giving Blood At The Office

University Development staff organize blood drive for staff, community

Lisa Worster climbs aboard the American Red Cross bus to give blood. Photo by Marsha A. Green
Lisa Worster climbs aboard the American Red Cross bus to give blood. Photo by Marsha A. Green

Lisa Worster, executive director for Development Services, chatted cheerfully with colleagues as she sat in the lobby of the University Development Office at West Village, waiting for her turn to enter the Red Cross bus and donate blood. 

 "I used to give when I was in college, but I fell out of the habit for the past couple of decades," she said. "The decision to give blood is made much easier by the fact that now I can do it here in the workplace." 

Worster was participating in a blood drive organized on Aug. 9 by staff at University Development. The drive was part of an ongoing effort by development's Community Outreach Committee to offer opportunities for staff to give back to the community. The first blood drive they organized, in January, was in support of Tamara Overcash, a colleague who had been diagnosed with leukemia. When staff learned on Aug. 8 that Overcash had passed away, the second blood drive took on a special meaning.

"It was something we could do, together, to honor her memory," said Jennifer Salamh, one of the blood drive coordinators who had worked closely with Overcash.

The event on Aug. 9 was one of several blood drives being organized by staff and students from various schools and units at Duke. Upcoming events include a blood drive on August 21 at  the Duke Faculty Club, one on Sept. 6 at Fuqua, and one on Sept. 13 at the Law School. 

"Summer is a crucial time for blood donations. With summer vacations, no school and hot weather, blood donations decline," said Darren Irby, Red Cross spokesperson. "This year is especially critical. Recent blood supply levels were the lowest in more than a decade, but the demand for blood remains steady."

More than 500,000 blood donors are needed throughout the month of August alone to meet ongoing demands, and the Red Cross appreciates everyone who shows up to donate..

 "It takes very little time in the scheme of things," Worster said. "And the best part is knowing that you are helping other people, even if you never know who they are."