A Pint For P.R.

Public Relation students at Sacramento State University organized and executed the first blood drive for the Causeway Classic.

The blood drive's goal was to bring in at least 700 units of blood per day, the same amount needed and used by Sacramento health care facilities.

The P.R. class was split into groups by Professor Tim Howard. They were assigned logistics, media, risk management, and writing tasks for the drive.

"Each group worked on their portion of the event for at least two to three weeks beforehand," said Mia Kattiren, who was helping students with Blood Source applications.

Professor Howard closely monitored and showed his support by being all of his classes to the event throughout the two days.

P.R. Student Dustin Lidien said the class is getting graded on how many people come and participate.

"So we had to promote and advertise the blood drive to get a good grade on this project," said Lidien.

Rachael Clauson, another P.R. student said "We're also getting graded on our end of the project and how well we put our part together."

Blood Source did the actual blood taking while the P.R. class brought the blood drive to the students' attention with flyers and word of mouth.

"Sac State really didn't have that much awareness for the blood drive," said Lidien.

In the second week of school, an employee of Blood Source, who was a former P.R. student of Professor Howard, pitched the blood drive idea.

One idea to encourage students to participate in the drive was the competition with UC Davis.

The event lasted two days in the University Ballroom.

The class plans similar drives for fraternities and sororities, dorm residents, and faculty on Nov. 3. with another chance to give blood at the Residence Halls from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information call Elizabeth at (813) 542-1002.