Campus, community turn out for blood drive
MCC freshman Serena Blackwell donates for the first time during the College’s fall
blood drive.
The phrase giving to help others became a reality when Meridian Community College’s Student Activities hosted its fall blood drive.
“Why do I donate? Because I can; because I am able to. You hope that one day if you ever need it, somebody will do it for the same reason. Pay it forward, you know,” said Denise Wright, an MCC alumna who was one of the many donors who rolled up their sleeves and gave blood.
Mississippi Blood Services conducted the drive for this Fall Semester 2024 student activity event.
Statistics show one unit of blood can save four lives.
This MCC-hosted blood drive was the first time sophomore Serena Blackwell, 18, from Quitman, donated. “I’ll do this again,” she said. “It’s a small thing we can do to help somebody in need,” the Networking and Cyber Security Program student added.
Her classmate, Hasen Caldwell, 18, of Meridian, encouraged Blackwell to join her at the drive. “We’re saving lives,” he added.
Collinsville resident Richard Smith noted he donates three times a year and said he gives because it saves lives. Plus, he said he feels better. “It gives me physical energy for a couple of weeks; I can feel it about two days after I donate.”
He added he’d research when a mobile unit is nearby and give blood. “It’s real convenient, and they get you in and out very quickly – so it’s not an ordeal.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.