ICC To Host Blood Drive on Fulton Campus

FULTON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) — January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Itawamba Community College Science Club and United Blood Services will host a community blood drive to encourage students to begin the New Year by giving life to others. The drive is Jan. 28-29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the UBS Bloodmobile behind the Student Activities Center at the Fulton Campus.

As part of United Blood Services’ Mardi Gras celebration, donors will receive a long-sleeve Mardi Gras T-shirt (while supplies last). Donors will also be entered in a region-wide drawing to win a trip for two to the Krewe of Orpheus “Orpheuscapade” held in New Orleans on Feb. 16. Donors must be 21 or older to enter. Winner will be drawn Feb. 2.

United Blood Services provides blood for all hospitals in Northeast Mississippi and Northwest Alabama. Volunteer blood donors and blood drive coordinators make a difference every day in the lives of patients in need of lifesaving blood. One donation helps to save up to three lives.

With the new year around the corner, United Blood Services asks those in Northeast Mississippi to make a New Year’s Resolution to donate blood three times in 2015.

“Our goal for this drive is 15 donors each day, and I know we can do it,” said Dr. Betsy Chesnutt, Science Club sponsor and blood drive coordinator. “This is a critical time for supplying blood, so we really need people to give.”

Donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate. To do so, visit www.bloodhero.com and find the drive using Sponsor Code: ICCFulton. Donors can accelerate the process by completing the health history interview online at www.unitedbloodservices.org the day of the drive. They may click on the “Health History Questionnaire,” print the Fast Track Donation ticket and bring it with them when they donate.

Volunteer blood donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger, and donors who are 16 years old must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Donors receive a free cholesterol test. A photo ID is required to donate. For more information, call United Blood Services at 662-842-8871 or Betsy Chesnutt at (662) 862-8365.