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Blaize Soakai and HPU student Madison Lee-Tran at the HUI SRC Blood Drive.
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HPU student Blaise Babineck gives blood.
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HPU students Caleb Cooper-Feldt and Princess Pascual at the HUI SRC Blood Drive.
The HPU's Undergraduate Infrastructure Student Research Center (HUI SRC) had its first blood drive at Aloha Tower Marketplace on October 14. Over 40 HPU students and several HPU parents, staff, and faculty gave blood, exemplifying the University’s core values of pono, kuleana, and aloha by saving 141 lives in the process. Each donation saves three lives.
The impressive turnout included 35 first-time donors. The blood drive was organized and lead by the HUI SRC, in partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai’i. The HPU Student Nurse Association and Phi Alpha also participated in setting up and breaking down at the conclusion of the event.
HUI SRC President Blaise Babineck was key in actively approaching and recruiting HPU students to donate blood in the time leading up to the drive, and the day of the event, at Aloha Tower Marketplace. His passion to save lives helped to ensure the drive’s success.
“I am beyond thankful for everyone’s hard work and dedication to saving lives,” said Babineck. “The team did a fantastic job in making sure that everyone felt safe and that the procedures went well. It has been a pleasure working with the Blood Bank of Hawai’i. I am looking forward to future partnerships to save even more lives!”
In February 2023, the HUI SRC plans to host another blood drive to help more people in need and promote HUI SRC's mission on a grander scale. The organization is hopeful that they can maximize their donation numbers and aid even more people.
“We saved many lives and I believe we can make a more significant impact next time around, in 2023,” said HPU Research Coordinator for the HUI SRC Blaize Soakai. “HUI SRC organized the event because we want to save lives, promote biomedical and health sciences to students of all majors, and give back to the community. Hospitals need blood right now and to think that we can save three lives with one donation says a lot.
“The donation could potentially help Kupuna or Keiki in need. You may not know the individual your blood is going to, but at least you will know that the Blood Bank of Hawai’i will put your blood to good use. Mahalo to the donors that gave their time and blood towards this event; you are indeed a superhero in our eyes."
All HPU students are eligible to join the HUI SRC. To learn more about the Center and the many activities they coordinate at the University click here.
