Fitchburg State Teams Up With American Red Cross

Falcons able to help 204 hospitalized patients with 2010 Blood Drive results

FITCHBURG, Mass. (April 16, 2010) – The Fitchburg State Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) sponsored its 2010 American Red Cross Blood Drive last week, receiving donations from students, faculty and multiple community members.

Through their team work with the American Red Cross, Fitchburg State generated 68 usable pints of blood, receiving 74 total donors and a remarkable 26 first-time contributors. Given the fact that each useable pint can benefit up to three, hospitalized patients, Fitchburg State was able to help roughly 204 people through its 2010 American Red Cross Blood Drive.

“More than 40 student-athletes volunteered their time to ensure that this event was a success,” said SAAC Director, Michelle Walsh. “I was impressed with how our athletes jumped right in to help throughout the day, from manning the Cantina station to escorting donors down to the recovery area.”

This year, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee has been very active throughout the Fitchburg area and has been constantly finding ways to give back to the community. For this event alone, Fitchburg State volunteers set a goal of 85 appointments for their Blood Drive and through hard work and commitment they surpassed that mark with over 90 registered entries.

“I want to extend my thanks to all donors and volunteers who participated in the 2010 American Red Cross Blood Drive,” said Bill Stark, Account Executive of the American Red Cross Blood Services. “With all their contributions, this life saving endeavor was a huge success.”

For information regarding the 2010 American Red Cross Blood Drive or the Fitchburg State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, please contact Director, Michelle Walsh via email at mwalsh61@fsc.edu or visit http://www.fscfalcons.com/insideAthletics/SAAC/index