By Clare Sherman —
The Versiti Blood Center Bloodmobile travelled to Miami University Regionals on September 18th, giving students and staff the chance to donate. The blood drive, which took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and was available on both Miami University’s Hamilton and Middleton campuses, helped Versiti supply local hospitals with much-needed blood.
Versiti, the nation’s fifth-largest blood provider, operates across five states and spends September through May traveling to high schools and universities. Beyond Miami Regionals, the blood drive visits locations like Sinclair and the University of Dayton. Versiti also sets up at Miami University’s main campus several times throughout the academic year. Many hospitals in the area have contracts with The Versiti Blood Center that allow them to claim blood donations as needed, while excess supply is then shared with other Versiti locations.
The most recent drive on the Hamilton campus saw twenty donors attend within four hours. Participants were asked to bring an ID or donor card before entering the truck and beginning the donation process. The first step was a questionnaire, where medical providers gathered information on the donor’s general health and behaviors. At the screening station, blood pressure, pulse, height, weight, and iron levels were measured. Once the donor was deemed medically fit to donate, they were taken to a donation chair, where the blood drawing process normally took between ten and fifteen minutes. First-time donors spent a few extra minutes resting after the procedure to ensure they were feeling well, and snacks were provided. After the event, Versiti transported the batch to hospitals, where each donation of one blood unit can help up to three patients.
When asked about the importance of student involvement with blood donations, a Versiti medical provider emphasized the critical role of blood variety. Within 24-48 hours after donating, participants learn their blood type, some being more rare and in demand than others. Certain blood types are also unique to specific ethnic groups, making them especially valuable in meeting the needs of diverse patient populations. When Versiti identifies these unique blood types during drives, they can better connect donors with patients whose treatments depend on those exact matches.
Looking ahead, Versiti’s next visit to Miami University’s regional campuses will take place on February 18th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
To learn more about The Versiti Blood Center, readers can visit their website at www.versiti.org