MU blood drive aims nationally
The University of Missouri’s annual homecoming blood drive has goals that reach beyond Columbia this year.
The university and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the thirty-first homecoming blood drive this week. The drive starts just a few days after Hurricane Matthew swept through the southeast coast of the U.S., killing more than 20 people.
“We’ve lost about 55 blood drives, which equates to about 1,800 units, in the southeast” said Craig Jackson, senior account manager for the Red Cross. “If we can go over our goal (at MU), it allows to help supply those hospitals in that area as well.”
Since the drive started in 1985, the university has collected more than 100,000 pints of blood. And despite coming in under a set goal Monday, Jackson thinks donations will pick up over the next few days.
“Our goal was 1,150 (units). We came in around 1,058 units,” Jackson said. “We really want to push today to try to make up missing that goal. I’m confident we can do it. Our second day seems to be a big one.”
Those interested in donating blood are encouraged to sign up at www.donateblood.com. The blood drive is located at the Hearnes Center and lasts until Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
