Mississippi Blood Services’ Fall Drive Helps MC Faculty, Staff, Students ‘Give the Gift of Life’

Mississippi College student Dawson Crowe said donors are the reason hospitals can help treat patients who are in need of blood.

Dawson Crowe’s fascination with biology led him to give the gift of life.

Last spring, the Mississippi College sophomore climbed aboard the Mississippi Blood Services donor coach, rolled up his sleeve, and donated blood for the very first time.

The experience left him eager to contribute more.

“I understand the need for blood donation for hospitals – I know family friends who have needed blood before,” the biology major and chemistry minor from Madison said. “Knowing that I can serve someone I’ve never met by just giving up a little bit of my time is worth the effort. It’s very convenient to donate – it only takes about 20 minutes.

“I will probably donate every chance I get.”

The Mississippi College family had the opportunity to further Crowe’s donation by participating in MC’s first blood drive of the fall semester. An MBS donor coach was parked in front of the B.C. Rogers Student Center Sept. 4-5 to accept donations.

Healthy individuals at least 17 years of age who weigh at least 110 pounds were eligible to participate in the drive. Red blood cells are the most needed of all blood components, so some individuals were asked to make an automated donation of just red cells, which allows MBS to take twice as many in one sitting.

Ellen Vinzant, office manager in MC’s Public Safety Office, said there’s no question that donating blood saves live.

“How extraordinary is it that our Heavenly Father created us to be able to donate blood to help another human?” Vinzant asked. “I always make sure that I eat a good meal and drink plenty of water before I donate. To have the MBS bus here on campus, it doesn’t get any easier or more convenient to help someone.

“I feel proud, content, and grateful after I donate. It’s a good deed.”

Crowe said the blood donation process is simple: Mississippi Blood Services representatives administer a short medical questionnaire and take the donor’s vital signs before the actual donation. To save time, donors can complete a “Donor History Questionnaire” online before reporting to the donor coach. Eligible donors will receive a $15 Visa gift card.

“Be ready to answer some questions about your lifestyle and travel,” he said. “They will offer snacks and drinks for participating. They prick your finger to check your iron – after that, they will start the blood draw.

“The staff is kind and professional. They tell you exactly what they’ll be doing and they will hold conversations with you through the whole process.”

Those who were unable to participate in the drive will have other opportunities to donate at MC, including Nov. 6-7, Jan. 22-23, 2025, and March 19-20, 2025.

“It’s only because of donors that our hospitals can save people when they need blood,” Crowe said. “Any one of us may need blood one day. By being selfless citizens, we can ensure that need is being met.”

For more information about Mississippi Blood Services, visit msblood.com or call 601.368.2664.