Joanna Frye
Managing Editor
The W hosted United Blood Services for a blood drive last week.
The blood drive was open to community, students and faculty. The mobile blood donation center was parked outside the W room.
Students received two community service hours for donating blood. Kimone Holtzman and Harli Eaves were among the volunteers who came out to help check in participants.
"Working with the United Blood Services, all of the blood stays in the state of Mississippi. If you are an eligible donor, it is great for you to maintain a healthy lifestyle to continue to donate. You never know when your blood can help save a life," said Holtzman, the W's coordinator of student engagement.
"I am involved with the W leadership program. I volunteer my time by checking people in before they give blood. I have given blood before. I did it three times in high school, and I love this kind of service," said Eaves, a senior in business and management.
Students came out to the blood drive with a unified purpose in mind.
"In my heart, I am here to help and care for people, whatever I can do, big or small. I want to make a change for people in their lives. I know some people don't have the resources that the need. I want to give what they need," said Elizabeth White, a junior and nursing major.
"I found out my blood type after I had my baby. My doctor encouraged me to start donating blood because my blood type is O-positive. It is used a lot. It is an opportunity to give back to those who need help," said Adreanna Brown, who is a junior in business and management.
"I am donating blood because I finally understand the dramatic effect giving blood can have to our community. If we can give blood to save one life, it is completely worth it," said Alley Ferguson, a junior in nursing.
Even though the mobile donation center has left campus, all members of the community are invited to donate regularly. With one donation, places like United Blood Services are able to help multiple people, and there is always a need for more donors. If you would like more information on blood donation, including future locations of blood drives and the qualifications for donation, please visit the United Blood Services website.