University freshman Anthony Barbieri, a 2022 Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, is on a mission to encourage people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood. Anthony, who goes by AJ, is a Gaming and eSports Esports Management major at the University, says it’s a rewarding experience to help save someone’s life.
While still a high school student in Waterbury, Barbieri completed his Eagle Scout project by organizing a blood drive. At that drive, done in collaboration with the American Red Cross, individuals donated over 25 units of blood.
On Wednesday, March 1, Barbieri will be encouraging University faculty, staff and students, including his fellow Esports majors to roll up their sleeves to support the American Red Cross Blood Drive happening in the Eagle’s Nest located in the Leever Student Center on the Post University campus located at 800 Country Club Road. This blood drive is open to the community and will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It’s quite personal to me to organize this blood drive because just one person giving blood can save up to three lives. It’s such a small amount of time you can give, but you can make such a significant impact on another person’s life and provide an important service to our community. I will be donating my blood at this drive and encourage all of you to do so as well,” said Barbieri.
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American Red Cross Facts About Blood Needs
Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.
- Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
- Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
- A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood
- One donation can help save more than one life.
- Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors