On July 21, 2019, volunteers from the International WeLoveU Foundation carried out a blood drive at the Inova Blood Donor Services in Annandale, Virginia. The six-hour event attracted over 120 participants who braved the scorching heat to donate blood.
As part of the WeLoveU Foundation’s 2019 Worldwide One-Two Blood Drive Movement, WeLoveU chapters on the East Coast from New York to Miami carried out blood drives on the same day in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically #3, Good Health and Well-Being.
Welcoming guests to the blood drive Inova Blood Services phlebotomist and WeLoveU Foundation volunteer
Every two seconds, someone is in need of blood—from newborn babies to elderly; and about one in seven people admitted to hospitals need a blood transfusion. The summer months are often slow for blood donation centers in Virginia and across the U.S., but WeLoveU volunteers were out in full force as they excitedly registered to donate blood.
WeLoveU Foundation volunteers in Virginia educated guests about the importance of blood donation and the other SDGs. Despite the heat index reaching over 100 degrees, there was smiles all around as volunteers waited to be screened for donation.
“I’m so happy because I got to donate for the first time! I was able to save three lives,” volunteer Peta Abdul-Azeez stated after leaving the center. The staff at the Inova Blood Donor Services in Annandale, Virginia were particularly thankful for the event, as a trauma patient from the previous night had emptied the hospital’s blood supply.
The total number of pints donated was eighty—ten more than originally expected. With these eighty pints, many lives will be saved in the coming days. This blood drive is just one of the many ways the WeLoveU Foundation brings awareness and action to the SDGs. Read about WeLoveU’s blood drive summary along the East Coast here.
6 thoughts on “Volunteers in Virginia Brave Heat to Save Lives Through Blood Drive”
Wow! Thank you guys for your sacrifice and the time to come out for other people.
I am truly impressed! The WeLoveU volunteers never cease to amaze me. If more young people were more like these folks, we’d never have blood shortages and the world would be a much better place. Thanks, WeLoveU!
Wow! Seeing such bright smiles on everyone’s face i can’t even tell it’s over 100 degrees!
Bringing awareness to the importance of donating blood makes such a valuable impact in our society. Anyone can be in need at anytime so it really affects us all. I’m so thankful to be apart of an organization that brings such light to improve the lives of everyone 🙂
Thank you, WeLoveU!
Even though it was hot and everyone likely had busy schedules, so many young people donated blood. I hope that the youth of this generation can learn from their example!
Looks like a great time and a great cause. Good job WeLoveU!
Wow! The DC/VA WeLoveU volunteers were just in time to donate blood when the Inova Hospital’s blood supply was low! You all are like super heroes!! Keep up the good work!👍🏽