Cots, discussion booths and tables with juice and snacks replaced the couches and tables in Smith Union's Morrell Lounge on Wednesday afternoon. These changes were part of the American Red Cross's first blood drive of the year.
Despite the health concerns sparked by the spread of the H1N1 virus across campus, the number of blood donors surpassed expectations.
"We have exceeded our goal," said Grant Easterbrook '11, one of the student organizers. The committee's original aim was 55 donors on Wednesday.They got 109.
The unforseen number of donors set the blood drive behind schedule, though volunteers were not frustrated by the wait.
"I had time and it is a good thing to do," Catherine Johnston '12 said. "I feel helpful."
Johnston, who donated blood for the first time at Bowdoin on Wednesday, scheduled an appointment for 5:15 p.m. and was called in for her health interview and iron test at 6:35 p.m.
Aside from the standard health questions asked and tests executed, no additional precautions were taken in light of H1N1. The Red Cross only asks that people call the organization and let them know if they show any signs of flu symptoms within 24 hours of having blood drawn, according to Collection Specialist Erin Crommie, R.N.
Blood drives are not new to campus. The events are typically organized by a group of three to five students who coordinate with Red Cross to come to campus approximately every eight weeks.
"It's just a good thing you want to do," said Sharon Ulery '11, a veteran donor, as she waited in line to have her medical consultation.
Easterbrook said who said the Bowdoin community is "compassionate" and willing to donate, as are the residents of Brunswick.
The blood drive's success was partly due to the publicity in past weeks.
"I think Bowdoin does a really good job of bringing the Red Cross to campus and advertising it," Alisha Turak '12 said.
For the past few weeks, paper fliers lined the doors of dormitories, online announcements were posted on the student digest, and organizers talked to students waiting in line at dining halls, encouraging them donate.
Awareness of the need for blood donations is increasingly greatly in part to the advocacy work done by the American Red Cross. The organization's website states that "Every two seconds someone in America needs blood."
According to that statistic, 2,550 people will need blood in the United States during an average 85 minute class at Bowdoin.
Each pint of blood donated by a person is divided three ways, creating three separate donations.
"You can save three people," said Crommie.