By Red Cross Volunteer Shatabdi Pal

In 2024, the American Red Cross faced a dire national blood shortage, with inventory dropping over 25% in July due to extreme summer heat and hurricanes disrupting collections. Despite these challenges, an inspiring milestone unfolded at Southern Oregon University (SOU).

After a 17-year hiatus caused by FDA regulations, American Red Cross blood drives returned to the SOU campus. A joint effort by Red Cross employees and SOU representatives resulted in an extraordinary two-day event starting on October 8, which achieved remarkable success. The initial goal of 49 daily units was exceeded twice, with 63 collected on the first day and 65 on the second.

The year’s relentless challenges, from January shortages to hurricanes like Beryl, Debby, Helene, and Milton, made this achievement particularly meaningful. The SOU blood drive’s reinstatement marked a beacon of hope during a critical time for the nation’s blood supply.

To understand how this miracle happened, we must look back three years when discussions began about reinstating blood drives on the SOU campus. Known for its student-led organizations, SOU had banned the organization from holding blood drives because it followed FDA guidelines that prevented men who had sex with men from donating blood.  The Red Cross worked closely with the FDA to overturn those rules, allowing for a more inclusive, blood donating process, which went into effect in 2023.

Carisa Hettich, Executive Director of the Red Cross Cascades Region, and Ace Ventura, Red Cross Blood Services Account Manager, spearheaded efforts to bring blood drives back to SOU. Ace initiated the effort by saying, “I would like to get back to doing blood drives,” which resonated deeply with Carisa. Together, they engaged key figures like Marvin Woodard, an SOU board member connected to student groups and administration, to garner support. Their journey included building relationships with student leaders, attending meetings, and reinforcing the Red Cross’s vision of inclusivity. This work culminated in a unanimous student government vote in spring 2024 to reverse the ban.

When Hurricane Helene struck, the Red Cross organized its first blood drive in October, with Ace appealing to the community, “Hey, let’s support and do what we can from afar by donating blood so that others may have a second chance at life.”

The October 2024 blood drive at Southern Oregon University (SOU) was a monumental success, made possible by the unwavering support of students, staff, and university leadership. The Dean of Students and the provost even donated blood. The American Red Cross thanked the SOU student government, nursing students, faculty, and the Board of Directors for their invaluable contributions. Cakes were served to create a cheerful atmosphere, and the event garnered media attention, with Ace Ventura being interviewed by an Ashland news station.

After this extraordinary achievement, the American Red Cross has planned three more blood drives at SOU from February 3-5, 2025, offering $15 e-gift cards and Tshirts for early donors. Carisa Hettich also hopes to deepen the ties with SOU by organizing events like smoke alarm installations and hands-on CPR training. American Red Cross expects the blood donation drive to be the beginning of long-lasting engagement with the school and community.

To sign up for this drive and any of our other blood drives across the region, go to RedCrossBlood.org.