Mississippi College Students Join Blood Drive on Campus

Mississippi College students believe in the value of giving blood to serve the need of patients statewide.

“It’s good for people in dire situations,” Rachel Burns said as Mississippi Blood Services staffers conducted a blood drive on the Clinton campus. “Giving blood can save a life.”

A 20-year-old MC social work major from Clinton, Rachel joins students welcoming the Mississippi Blood Services campaign on September 8. The bus will stay parked outside Provine Chapel through 5 p.m. Wednesday.

It marked the first MBS drive of the new academic year at Mississippi College. There were 21 units of blood collected Tuesday. Twenty-eight more MC donors signed up for September 9.

There are new guidelines statewide given the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, people diagnosed with or suspected to have the coronavirus cannot donate until they are symptom-free for at least 28 days.

Burns was homeschooled in Clinton and other communities before enrolling at MC.

Mississippi College’s drive comes at a critical time when MBS inventory remains at a crisis level. When inventory has dropped over 50 percent, in a matter of weeks, Mississippi patients are depending on donors for help.

MBS leaders blame blood shortages on the COVID-19 pandemic and the weather.

Flowood-based Mississippi Blood Services distributes blood to serve patients at scores of hospitals across the Magnolia State.

Tammy Bouchillon, a longtime staff member with MBS, has come to Mississippi College blood drives for many years.

She emphasizes the importance of giving blood in early September. “The challenges of collecting blood during the COVID outbreak, coupled with the holiday weekend has left our supplies dangerously low.”

In keeping with health protocols, all donors receive a temperature check upon entering the MBS coach. All surfaces, equipment and donor stations are cleaned with disinfectant between donors. All donors and MBS staff are required to wear masks.

The MBS donor coach will return to the Christian university between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday. Donors leave with a free MBS T-shirt for their contributions.

For additional information, go to www.msblood.com or call 601-981-3232.