Rhode Island Blood Center Records 760 Donations in Two Days After Brown University Shooting

The Rhode Island Blood Center collected 760 red blood cell donations on Sunday and Monday after a shooting at Brown University on Saturday. That's 200% above what they see on typical Sundays and Mondays.

Staff sent more than 120 units of blood, platelets, and plasma to Rhode Island Hospital. They started crisis protocol and rushed 40 units of red blood cells plus other products, then checked in with the hospital every hour.

Students trudged through snow to donate on Sunday. One person inside the building during the shooting came to give blood.

"It was snowing out, and there were kids that walked from campus," said Hunter Shaffer, vice president of Divisional Operations, according to Ocean State Media. "I met someone who was in the building where the shooting took place. He had come here to donate."

The center opened its cafeteria when the waiting room filled up. Conference rooms turned into interview booths. Staff used other spaces to collect donations.

Amy Goldman, a manager at the center, compared the response to past tragedies. "9/11, The Station Fire, and now this, have been the biggest responses I have seen since being here," Goldman said, per Ocean State Media. "It's heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time."

Blood supplies had hit critical lows since November. Back in September, they had a day-and-a-half worth instead of the five-day goal.

"If this had happened during September, it would've been a catastrophe," Shaffer added.

Audrey Marano from Cranston donated on Tuesday. She completed her first double red donation. Sarah Filliettaz-Domingues, 29, drove an hour and 20 minutes from Halifax, Massachusetts, to give blood.

"I felt like it was important to do something instead of sharing my post and my prayers," Marano said.

Processed red blood cells can stay refrigerated for 42 days. The center needs Type O-Positive, O-Negative, and B-Negative blood.

Melonie DiMartino, manager of hospital services, worked through 9/11, The Station Nightclub Fire, and the Boston Marathon Bombing. The lab got about 776 units after 9/11.

"It's great that people are coming out and I want everyone to do the right thing. I just want them to continue to do the right thing," DiMartino said.