MCC, community team up for two-day blood drive
Meridian Community College students, faculty, staff, and community residents came together to support a critical need - donating blood - during a two-day drive on campus.
Hosted by MCC Student Activities in partnership with Mississippi Blood Services, the semi-annual event saw more than 80 participants roll up their sleeves.
Ellie Williams, lead coordinator for housing and student activities, said the drive
makes giving back simple and accessible. “It really builds the importance of community,”
Williams noted. “Some students in housing don’t have transportation, so being able
to walk over and donate gives them an opportunity they might not have otherwise.” 
Eric Thomas, an 18-year-old programming student from Meridian, said donating was an
easy decision.
“It just helps people out—I’m not using it,” he said with a laugh. “There’s really
no reason not to give blood—it helps others. I’ve given a few times.”
For MCC University Transfer Advisor Derrick Stevens, donating is personal. “My mom recently developed blood clots in her lung, and my dad has needed blood before,” Stevens said. “That’s why I give—because it helps people.”
Longtime donor Charles Brooks of Meridian has been giving blood for more than 50 years.
“Medical science hasn’t been able to duplicate blood; the only way people can get
it is to donate,” Brooks said. “I try to give at least three times a year. I don’t
know how many gallons I’ve given.”
Williams added that the combined campus and community effort can have a significant impact. Statistics show that a single unit of blood can save up to four lives.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/studentlife.