The Stampede

Media Credit: Jason Plante Alex Henderson donates blood during the SGA sponsored blood drive.

SGA held the second blood drive of the spring semester on Wednesday in connection with Marsh Regional Blood Center.

This is the last blood drive run by the outgoing council. Former SGA Vice President Michael Bartlett handed over responsibility to newly elected Vice President Matthew Hicks this time around to give him a feel for how it works.

“This is great experience for the future,” said Hicks. “I’m very passionate about it. I have been giving blood every two months since I was seventeen.”

Hicks explained that he will continue to work with Marsh in the future, not only because they work well with Milligan’s schedule, but also because they are a local organization. Everything that is given to Marsh goes right back to East Tennessee.

SGA has also coordinated blood drives with Red Cross in the past.

The number of total donors went up from the winter blood drive by 12.

Forty people signed up for this blood drive, but 54 people showed up. Unfortunately, 16 of those students were turned away, leaving 38 total donors. Donors are deferred for several reasons that make them ineligible to give blood, like sickness or low iron.

One of the donors was senior Chris Wells. This was Wells’ second time giving blood. 

“The experience was amazing,” said Wells. “I hate needles but I’m still glad I gave. I will continue doing it because it is a really good thing and it helps me face my fears.”   

Hicks will start working directly with Marsh next semester when he takes over full command of the blood drive.

“Reminding people that it is coming up is the biggest job. We have to let the students know when and where to sign up so they can give,” said Hicks.

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