The University of Central Missouri hosted a blood drive on Oct. 21 to 22 in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center as part of the festivities of homecoming week. To give blood, donors first check in. Next, a nurse checks their temperature, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. After that, donors have their blood taken. The process ends with donors choosing from different drinks and snacks provided by the donation team.
The event was attended by several students, one of whom was Senior Hudson Stanfield-Meyers.
“People need blood,” Stanfield said. Stanfield described his experience as easy. “I got screened in some booths by some people and then they took blood,” Stanfield said. Stanfield recommends donating blood to anyone who can.
Another student eager to give blood was Freshman Ayla McCann. McCann had a specific reason that inspired her to attend the drive – the hurricanes decimating the Southern states.
“Specifically because of the hurricane, I wanted to be able to help with crisis relief,” McCann said. In times of major tragedy, whether man-made or natural, blood transfusions are in high demand.
According to the Red Cross, certain blood types are sought after more than others. McCann’s blood type is much needed.
“My blood type, O-negative, is in huge demand,” stated McCann. O-negative blood is known as the universal blood type, meaning it can be used for blood transfusions for people with any other type of blood.
The university hosts multiple blood drives each year. While some students have just attended their first, other students are making a point to go to as many as they can. Senior Marie Monaghan is one of UCM’s blood drive veterans.
“I get my blood drawn every time the drive is at UCM,” Monaghan said. “I figure taking thirty minutes of my day to help a person in need is something worth doing.” Monaghan said that the process only takes her “around five to ten minutes.”
