93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
You still have this afternoon and Thursday to participate in the Mizzou Homecoming blood drive at Columbia’s Hearnes Center fieldhouse.
American Red Cross Central and Northern Missouri chapter executive director Rebecca Gordon tells 939 the Eagle that this is the event’s 40th year.
“But we’re really excited because we have more appointments for this week for the blood drive than we had last year, and last year was a banner year. So we’re really looking for to, I know the students are and the teams here, we’re really looking forward to saving a lot of lives this week,” Gordon says.
Ms. Gordon emphasizes that there’s currently a blood shortage, so you’re urged to consider donating blood. This year’s goal is 4,000 pints.
“It’s incredibly critical coming out of August between some of the disasters that were responded to by the Red Cross. But as well as the fact that people are busy in August. We are in a nationwide blood shortage, so this is going to be a big part in helping us get back to level,” says Gordon.
The Red Cross blood drive continues today and tomorrow from 11 am until 6 pm at Hearnes. Ms. Gordon says community members who want to donate blood can walk in at any time. You’re asked to bring your identification and to fill out the RapidPass questionnaire on the Red Cross’ website before you arrive.
“So this is the largest student-led drive in the nation. And when we say led by students, it is. These students have been working since before they came back to school. This week is a culmination in that work, and then they’ll turn around and come back in the spring and do Greek week,” Gordon tells 939 the Eagle.
