MBS scholarship recipient encourages MC family to participate in fall blood drives

By participating in the MBS Blood Drive at MC last spring, Trinity Eades received a $250 scholarship.

When she saw the Mississippi Blood Services van parked in front of the B.C. Rogers Student Center last spring, Trinity Eades made a spur-of-the-moment decision to participate in the blood drive at Mississippi College.

She had no idea her actions would lead to a scholarship.

The junior social studies education major from Pell City, Alabama, was selected to receive the $250 award as part of Mississippi Blood Services’ first Community Bank College Scholarship Blood Bowl. The competition between Mississippi universities, including MC, Belhaven University and Millsaps College, encouraged blood donations among students.

Eades’ name was selected at random to receive the scholarship, but she said the best part about participating in the blood drive is knowing she is helping others.

“The MBS scholarship means I can pursue my education in the upcoming semester with a bit more ease,” said Eades, who donates blood seasonally. “It’s always been very important to me to give blood when I can. Knowing I’m helping someone who needs the donation is fulfilling.”

MC students, faculty and staff can help others by participating in either of two MBS blood drives at MC this fall. A donor coach will be parked in front of the B.C. Rogers Student Center on the Clinton campus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 9 and 10, to accept donations.

Stephanie Sutton, MBS marketing representative, said the fall is the perfect time to donate blood.

“The fall is a crucial time for hospitals and health care facilities throughout the state to maintain their supply of blood and blood products,” Sutton said. “We rely on eligible donors to help us provide a good supply of blood. You never know when you may be in need. It’s critical to have a good supply on hand.”

Healthy individuals at least 17 years of age who weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to participate in the drive. Red blood cells are the most needed of all blood components, so individuals may be asked to make an automated donation of just red cells, which allows MBS to take twice as many in one sitting.

The blood donation process is simple and takes less than an hour. MBS representatives administer a short medical questionnaire and take the donor’s vital signs before the actual donation. To save time, donors can complete a questionnaire online before reporting to the donor coach.

Eades said donating blood during the drive at MC is convenient.

“Donating blood when you can truly makes all the difference,” Eades said. “The blood drive at MC provides an easy and accessible way to donate on campus. It’s quick, easy, and for the most part, painless.”

She advises her fellow MC students to make sure to have a good meal before donating and to know their recent health history to complete the donor questionnaire.

Although no scholarships will be awarded to participants in the fall blood drive at MC, each donor will receive a $15 VISA card.

For more information about giving blood during the Mississippi Blood Services fall drive, visit msblood.com.