Red Cross breaks blood donation record in Jefferson City

The local chapter of the American Red Cross collected a record-breaking amount of blood in Jefferson City.

Red Cross officials say they collected 312 pints of blood, surpassing their goal of 250. One pint of blood could potentially save up to three lives.

The One Community Club Blood Drive, organized by the Red Cross and Zimmer Radio Group, was held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Capital Mall and supported Hudsen Lee.

The local teenager is battling lymphoblastic leukemi a. Hudsen has used more than 20 units of blood since being diagnosed with the disease in March.

He wanted to help others by setting the record for the most blood donated in Jefferson City history.

Red Cross officials say summer is the time when donations tend to decrease, making the need for blood critical.

“Right now, the summer months are extremely difficult for us to collect blood,” said Craig Jackson of the American Red Cross. “We are in an emergency appeal.”

The Red Cross says 20 percent of donations are from high school and college students. Therefore, Mid-Missouri sees a large drop in blood donations when students leave for the summer.

All of the blood donated Wednesday will directly benefit Mid-Missouri hospitals.