ELLISVILLE – Every fall and spring, Jones College’s annual blood drives fill the needs of the community and statewide but this year the need is critical. Vitalant’s Michelle Anderson-Jones said donations are down 30 percent since May and all types of blood are needed but O positive and negative are in greatest demand to help trauma patients, and others with cancer to newborn babies.
“When we come to Jones College, we know we’re going to have a great day because the students and employees turn out,” said Anderson-Jones. “With two hours left today (Monday) on the first of the three-day drive, we have exceeded our goal of 27 with 30!”
At the end of the first day of the drive on Monday, 41 units of blood were collected thanks in part to people like William Partridge. The part-time student, and adjunct Jones College HVAC instructor and maintenance employee, Partridge has a special reason for donating every time there is a blood drive.
“I’ve spent eight years in the Marine Corps and a lot of my friends that I was overseas with were in situations where they needed blood. So, this is kind of my way to give back and make sure that no one goes without,” said Partridge.
Also a regular at the blood drive was freshman Jones College student from Seminary, Cooper Norris. Since he was a senior in high school, Norris has been giving every time they allow. Giving for the first time, was freshman McKenzie West of Ellisville.
“I’ve always wanted to give like my mom. Now that I’ve met the requirements, I thought I would try,” said West.
The Fall Blood Drive will continue on the Jones College campus through Wednesday, September 18, by the C.L. Neill Student Center and between the A.B. Howard Gymnasium in the Mobile Unit. Donations will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The public, as well as the JC community is invited to participate by making an appointment on the Vitalant website, https://donors.vitalant.org/
The overall goal for the three-days is 105 units of blood. To encourage donations, T-shirts will be given to all donors and Door Prizes will be available all three days for donors during random drawings.
