Concorde-Garden Grove Partners with American Red Cross Bloodmobile

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. is in need of blood or platelets, as it’s essential for surgeries, cancer treatments, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries, according to the American Red Cross, a national non-profit that works to donate time, money, and blood to prevent and relieve suffering across the globe. Just one donation – whether it’s whole blood, red cells, platelets, or plasma – can help save multiple lives.

With red blood cells being in such high demand within the medical community, Concorde Career College’s Garden Grove campus partnered with American Red Cross to host a blood drive that brought the Red Cross Bloodmobile directly to the campus parking lot.

“We are a school with healthcare education programs, so it’s important for our students to know that nobody lives in a bubble. We need to commit our time, be generous donors, and extend our resources throughout the community,” said Lori Liebman, Concorde-Garden Grove’s Director of Student Affairs. “We are not just donating money; we are giving blood – a critical medical resource needed to support lifesaving care.”

Earlier this year, Brittney Henderson, Concorde-Garden Grove’s Student Services Advisor, distributed flyers to local businesses to generate community enthusiasm and help fill appointment slots prior to the event. To incentivize even more participants, American Red Cross gave blood donors a $10 Visa Prepaid Card and entered them in a raffle for the chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card for gas or grocery expenses.

In total, the Red Cross Bloodmobile accepted 31 slots, including scheduled and walk-in donors, and gave Concorde the collective goal of 22 units of blood. Concorde-Garden Grove exceeded expectations, collecting 23 units of blood, thanks to the support of their employees, students, family members, and friends.

With 58% of Concorde-Garden Grove’s donors being first time contributors, Henderson and Liebman are hopeful the next blood drive will experience similar – if not more – success as participants will continue coming back to volunteer.

“A lot of my students are excited about our ongoing partnership with American Red Cross. It’s a chance for Concorde to work with the community and really be a part of something greater than themselves,” Henderson explained. “In a time where isolation is so prevalent – due to continuous community health concerns – the blood drive provides a great opportunity to unify us and get our students excited about volunteering.”

Concorde-Garden Grove will partner with American Red Cross again on August 9, 2023, when 38 appointments will be available, as well as twice a year moving forward to help ensure there is enough blood for lifesaving care in the surrounding area. Appointments are expected to open July 3, 2023.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit the organization’s page.

For more details regarding the services offered at Concorde Career College’s Garden Grove location, call (657) 667-2904 or visit the Garden Grove campus page. To learn more about the next blood drive, please call Brittney Henderson at (714) 620-1058 and leave a detailed message.

**Source: The American Red Cross: Importance of Blood Supply, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html