Help save a life at the Mercy blood drive and bone marrow registry on campus. The blood drive and bone marrow registry event, sponsored by Maryville’s Health Educators Promoting Responsible Options, or HEROS, and Mercy Hospital, is being held Oct. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Donius University Center.
“We have been doing the blood drive for over twenty years,” Pam Culliton, nurse, said. “Mercy has been partnering with us for 18 years. They are attentive and flexible with our students. They do a nice job.”
According to HERO treasurer Toni Henson, junior, the even draws in more students as a result of the central, public location on campus. She adds that the free t-shirts and brownies donors receive add a nice touch to the experience as well.
“While HERO and Mercy will be working the event, we are looking for volunteers to help as well,” HERO Alex Spurgeon, freshman, said. If needles aren’t ideal for some students, there is still an opportunity to assist in this worthy cause. Snacks and drinks for those involved will be provided and professionals from Mercy will be conducting the drive.
“Students will need their identification to give blood and register for the event, even if they have given blood before,” Nurse Pam said. “Also remember they are doing a bone marrow registry as well, another way to save a life.”
By giving blood or platelets, a life may be saved. Each and every day, people of all ages and from all walks of life will unexpectedly need blood. They could be accident victims, cancer patients, someone undergoing surgery or the tiny babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Bone marrow donors are equally in demand. The first step to being someone’s cure is to join a bone marrow registry. If you are between the ages of 18 and 44, patients need you. The reason is simple, doctors usually choose registry members between 18 and 44 from this website. Most Maryville University students are of prime age to donate. Being a donor for a patient is a generous, selfless act that significantly impacts many lives.
“HERO is happy to do a lot of information events as well. We are more of an educational group,” Henson said. [We are] creating opportunities to talk about health information and healthy options in a laid-back and fun setting.” Topics range from alcohol and safety, sexual health and stress level management.
To register to donate blood, click here. Enter Maryville University as the donor group name section to pull up this event.
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