While many victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks arenow recovered, people throughout the country still need blood.
That is why the Ball State Interfraternity Council worked withthe Indiana Blood Center Friday to conduct its second annual Sept.11 Memorial Blood Drive, said Andrew Fadel, IFCphilanthropy/community service chair.
Held at Irving Gym, the drive provided students, faculty andlocal residents the opportunity to give blood. The donations willbe sent to hospitals all over Indiana.
Organizing the drive allowed the Interfraternity Council to playan important role in helping with the state's blood shortage, Fadelsaid.
Fadel said he visited New York after the terrorist attacks in2001 and realized he had a personal responsibility to help peoplewho needed blood back home. "Since 9/11 happened, everyone forgetsthat people in Indiana need as much help as people in New York,"Fadel said. "I assumed the IFC chair so that I could help them thebest I can."
The IFC, which presides over 11 member fraternities on campus,contacted the Indiana Blood Center after the terrorist attacks.They partnered up to play host for the council's first blood drivelast year, Fadel said.
The IBC supplies blood and blood products to 46 central andsouthern Indiana hospitals.
"They do a great job with whoever needs help," Fadel said. Lastyear's blood drive was successful, with more than 100 newdonors.
Several students this year also decided to donate blood for thefirst time. Senior Mackenzie Arnold said she had always wanted togive blood and was glad to have the opportunity to do so. "It givesyou a good feeling to know that you're helping someone out," Arnoldsaid.
IBC Field Representative Paul Hickner said the number of peoplewho went to donate blood this year decreased compared with lastyear. But remembering that the overall demand for blood increasesevery year might inspire more students to give blood in the future,Hickner said. "It's the easiest way to help save somebody's life,"Hickner said.
Even if more students and local residents did not donate Friday,Fadel said donating blood in the future is something worthconsidering.
"There is no greater sacrifice than giving part of yourself forsomeone else," Fadel said. "This is probably something theInterfraternity Council will do for years to come."
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