KYLE BARON
SENIOR REPORTER

It was check in and blood out for students as they lined up to donate blood on Oct. 20.
“Every 20 seconds someone needs blood,” said Josie Deleon, clinic development co-ordinator at Canadian Blood Services.
She said the hour it takes for a student to donate blood will save lives.
“I think we should be afraid when there’s no blood for someone that needs it. We want to make blood donation a social responsibility.”
Deleon said she has benefited from donated blood since she was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago.
Having worked with the organization for 20 years, Deleon said, “This is the company that’s for me, I can’t leave.”
Though unable to donate since the diagnosis, she said working for Canadian Blood Services and helping people donate is “a kind of a reward.”
The first clinic on campus earlier this year produced around 120 units of blood, which translates to 120 pints, or 56 litres, Deleon said.
Each unit of blood donated is broken down into four components: plasma, red and white blood cells and platelets – cell fragments that help create blood clots, she said.
Sitting at a table of donors replenishing their blood sugar with orange juice and cookies, Elena Voczek said she’s donated three other times.
“When I first started I was nervous. You don’t really know what to expect. It kind of just becomes a regular thing and there are people that you recognize – they’re all really nice and are happy you’re here donating,” said Voczek, a second-year public relations student at Guelph-Humber.
While others were donating, Rachel Hortos, a volunteer with HSF events, was signing students into the clinic and giving out water.
“I was going to donate today but I have to be here all day so I don’t think I should do it while I’m working,” she said.
“It doesn’t really hurt, it just feels like a little pinch,” said Voczek. “Your blood is being pumped out below you so you don’t really have to see anything if you’re squeamish.” Blood is pumped out of the vein by the donor’s own heartbeat, helped along by the opening and closing of their hand, she said.
“It’s not a difficult process,” said Voczek. “It’s a great environment. There are all these people who are doing the same thing as you – helping save lives.”

Photo by Kyle Baron
Josie Deleon from Canadian Blood Services relied on donated blood after being diagnosed with cancer seven years ago.
Photo by Kyle Baron
Guelph-Humber public relations student Elena Voczek regularly donates blood for those in need.