Member of the Rotaract Club and brains behind the upcoming Blood Drive, there is no one out there quite like Jennie Chieco! We admire her passion and dedication to Fairfield University’s annual Blood Drive, as her family has been directly affected by the benefits of donating. Continue reading for more details on her continued inspiration for partaking in the cause.
HC: What role do you specifically hold in the Rotaract Club?
JC: The Rotaract Club works with the Fairfield Rotarians to volunteer and run different community service events. I work with the American Red Cross to be their voice on our campus. I run the blood drives at Fairfield, with an employee of the Red Cross.
HC: What initially inspired you to become a part of this organization and become a huge supporter of the upcoming Blood Drive?
JC: My older sister, Michelle (class of 2010), was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major at birth. This fatal genetic blood disorder requires her to receive two units of blood, every two weeks for the rest of her life. Without this blood, she would not survive. I began running blood drives in Middle School and when I came to Fairfield. I knew I wanted make a change on this campus too.
HC: For people who have not donated before and may be hesitant, how would you encourage them to partake?
JC: Obviously donating blood can be scary for some people. I encourage everyone to weigh the benefits. Having a needle in your arm for only 15 minutes can and will impact someone’s life. Chances are, the patient on the other end of your blood donation has been through serious trauma or is in need. Those 15 minutes make you a life saver.
HC: What are some pre/post donation suggestions you feel donors should abide by?
JC: Donors should eat a filling meal (high in nutrients and iron) the night before their donation. They should also keep hydrated during the day. After they donate, they should refuel their body with a snack high in protein and sugar. Donors also should not exercise for 24 hours after donation.
HC: Why is giving blood so important? As a nursing major (or in general), have you seen the difference blood donations make firsthand?
JC: For my sister, who has received over 1,300 units of blood in her lifetime, the need for blood is vital. In times of blood shortages (during the winter and the summer), it can be scary to not know if there will be enough blood for my sister at the hospital. The nurses and doctors know that she will be coming every two weeks, and should have it stocked for her. But what about the patients who come in emergently and need over 15 units of blood? Those patients can die because of a blood shortage.
HC: What is your ultimate goal this year for the Blood Drive?
JC: Our goal is to receive 80 productive units of blood. Right now we have 110 donors signed up and encourage students to walk in to see if there is any availability.
HC: How long will the Blood Drive be held for?
JC: The blood drive will be held from Oct 26-Oct 27 in the Oak room from 11am-4:45pm. We encourage everyone to stop by to check it out, even if you are not donating! For freshman, donating will be an Inspire Credit.