Mizzou’s homecoming blood drive returns, after cancellation last year
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Red Cross is set to partner with The University of Missouri for the 35th year to host a blood drive beginning Monday.
This, after the same blood drive was canceled in 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are so excited to be back at the Mizzou and Hearnes Center for the Homecoming blood drive,” said Chris Baker, Regional Donor Services Executive, Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas Region. “The University and the student volunteers, especially our student leadership team, play such a vital role. They are what make the Homecoming blood drive the most successful in the country on a yearly basis. We sorely missed this drive last year, and we need students, faculty and the Columbia community to come back and roll up their sleeves to help us save lives.”
In a press release, The Red Cross said it expects over 2,100 blood donations at this years drive with the organization collecting nearly 132,000 donations in the 34 years with the university.
This comes after The Red Cross released a statement Thursday, saying it is dealing with an emergency blood shortage.
Individuals 18 years or older in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. There are multiple ways to sign up to donate, including downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or visiting the organization's website.
COVID-19 safety precautions are in place for the drive. Face masks will be required for both donors and staff members, regardless of vaccination status.
