Mississippi College family can help others in need during spring blood drive

MC student Javan Hand, pictured with MBS donor technician Shawniece Walker, phlebotomist, said donating blood can make a difference in the lives of others.

Mississippi College student Javan Hand always looks for opportunities to have a positive impact on others. The freshman biology major from Mize regards participating in the Mississippi Blood Services’ blood drives at MC as a no-brainer.

“Knowing that a small action, such as donating blood, can make a big difference in the lives of others makes giving blood worthwhile,” Hand said.

The Mississippi College family can help their fellow Mississippians in need of blood and blood products by participating in the upcoming MBS blood drive at MC. A donor coach from Mississippi Blood Services will be parked in front of the B.C. Rogers Student Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, to accept donations.

Stephanie Sutton, MBS marketing representative, said the winter storm that impacted north Mississippi in January took a toll on the state’s available blood supply, and the need for blood is critical.

“We had to reschedule a lot of drives,” Sutton said. “We rely on the community to help whenever our reserves are depleted.”

She said one blood donation can save up to three lives.

“It’s so important to have this blood available, because hospitals need it for their patients, trauma victims, and surgeries they perform every day.”

Hand knows firsthand how blood donations can make a difference.

“My father needed blood after a bad car crash,” he said. “Many people went out of their way to donate to our family. My grandmother requires blood every six months to keep her blood count up.”

He said donating blood at MC is convenient.

“To walk just a few steps from my dorm to the blood drive is easy,” he said. “If you need to eat after giving blood, the Caf is right across the street.

“When you walk onto the bus, you are met by the friendliest staff who help you in every way. You feel a sense of joy and peace knowing you did something good for someone.

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

The donation process takes less than an hour. MBS representatives administer a short medical questionnaire and take the donor’s vital signs before the donation. To save time, donors can complete the questionnaire online. Walk-ins are welcome. Eligible donors will receive a $15 Visa card.

“Giving blood is such a small way to give back to the community,” Hand said. “There are so many people who are in desperate need.”

To register to participate in MC’s upcoming blood drive, visit msblood.com or call 601.368.2664.