The Omnibus

Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Grace Jeoung A Southwest Baptist University student gives blood. The blood drive was held in Goodson Student Union Wednesday, Sept. 26. Student Government Association and Christian Service Organization will host two more blood drives on Feb. 6 and April 2, 2008. For more information, contact CSO. [Click to enlarge]

Southwest Baptist University held its first blood drive of year in Goodson Student Union Wednesday afternoon.
Students had the opportunity to donate blood from 12 to 6 p.m.
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, which supplies the local area hospitals with blood, sponsored the blood drive.
The Christian Service Organization and the Student Government Association helped to organize the event as well.
In order to give blood, the students went through a screening process that included questions and a small physical to determine eligibility.
If no complications were found, students then proceeded to give a pint of blood.
Every donor received refreshments and a free t-shirt.
Freshman Ben McVicker donated blood for the first time Wednesday afternoon.
He had never had the opportunity to do so before and was thrilled that the school was sponsoring the event.
"People have to have blood," said McVicker. "And it's really not that bad. The nurse is helpful. You just have to squeeze the ball they give you, and you're fine."
Linda Marshall, the volunteer blood drive coordinator, has been working blood drives for the last 15 years.
Marshall is in charge of recruiting volunteers, setting up the refreshment area and organizing the details.
"It helps so many people; one unit of blood can help up to three different people," said Marshall. "I can't donate blood so I donate my time."
Many citizens of the Bolivar community also volunteered their time to help the cause.
Dr. Betty Gipson and Dr. Carol Bevier, both retired SBU faculty spent their afternoon working at the blood drive.

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