North Texas Daily

Katherine Joyce / Contributing Writer

UNT students and faculty have all grown used to blood donation sites popping up around campus brought by Carter Blood Care. This time, Carter is sweetening the deal as workers welcome Research Across America to team up in a July 31 event.

UNT’s Health and Wellness Center will host, along with the two sponsors, sending out invitations to “Cheers to Volunteers”. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. outside of Chestnut Hall.

Each year, the Student Health and Wellness Center hosts the Health and Fitness Expo with the Pohl Recreation Center, which is similar to this event but on a larger scale, said Kerry Stanhope, UNT’s assistant director of outreach.

Students will have an opportunity to become familiar with services offered at the Student Health and Wellness Center and the Meadows Center for Health Resources, Stanhope said.

“Students who are planning to donate blood should make sure to drink plenty of water and have something to eat before donating,” Kerry Stanhope said.

Carter Blood Care will be on site accepting blood donations. In addition, Research Across America will let students participate in an acne study. The study is free and, if students meet all qualifying criteria, could potentially put up to $300 in students’ pockets.

The Texas-based RAA has been around since 1992, and acts as a premier patient-focused research center. It has performed over 1,800 clinical research trials covering multiple disease areas. In 2012, RAA was voted one of the top 100 workplaces in Dallas, where the company is headquartered, according to the company’s website.

Kathy Holcombe, RAA’s community outreach coordinator, can’t wait for the July 31 event.

“We have a passion for working with and educating others, as well as giving back to the community in which we live,” Holcombe said. “When we develop these new relationships, and good ones at that, it only offers us the opportunity to grow.”

The study will focus on students suffering from moderate acne. At the event, students will get a chance, if they qualify, to get a mini physical with an on-site physician at no cost, Holcombe said.

“If they enroll in the study, they will receive a check the day of for $75,” Holcombe said. “There are a total of four visits included in the acne study. On each visit we will return on a scheduled day, paying students $75 each time.”

RAA will be equipped with a 40-foot RV that has been turned into a doctor’s office on wheels, including an exam table, medical supplies and lab testing facilities. A doctor is always on site along with other medical staff, Holcombe said.

“We are excited about a new relationship with UNT and hope to bring more paid studies out to students as often as we can,” Holcombe said.

Public relations junior Justin Chavez said he looks forward to attending the event.

“Being a college student, I don’t have the money to pay for the top-brand acne treatment so this event is something I look forward to,” Chavez said.

Chavez is a resident assistant at Bruce Hall and is an orientation leader this summer.

“I am self-conscious about my face because I know it’s not clear, smooth and clean. I have tried tons of acne products, none of which have worked for me. This will give me the opportunity to try something brand new, and maybe even get paid,” Chavez said.

The event also will feature music from a DJ, pizza, a Coke trailer, entertainment and giveaways for those who attend.