Penn State business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi will host its semi-annual blood drive to honor Neil Patel, a sixth-semester Schreyer Honors College student who died in August 2021 after battling COVID-19.
The blood drive will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, in Alumni Hall at the HUB. The event marks the third year that Alpha Kappa Psi has partnered with the NeilStrong Foundation to host the Red Cross blood drive, an event that allows students to “create a ripple” by donating blood.
Since Patel passed away, the NeilStrong Foundation has spearheaded on-campus initiatives to ensure Patel’s legacy of giving back to others.
“It’s not just about a blood drive. A college student should start a journey to participate in giving back,” Patel’s father, Chet, said. “[The blood drive] is a way to encourage young people to give back to their communities, to make an impact.”
According to the American Red Cross, every two seconds, someone in the United States requires blood for a surgery, treatment, or transfusion. As a result, blood supply in the U.S. remains a pressing issue and one that students can aid in supporting through sponsored blood drives. Patel’s family hopes students learn that donation doesn’t take much time and is needed everywhere.
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