MU collects 4,262 units at blood drive

Organizers say the event is one of the world's largest.

By Stephanie Clark

Published Oct. 24, 2008

Hearts raced as students and members of the Columbia community gathered at the Hearnes Center the past two weeks to donate blood.

The annual MU Homecoming drive, organized through the American Red Cross, is one of the biggest in the world. This year's brought in 4,262 units of blood, Tri-Director Jeremy Haley said. That edged last year's total by about 120 units.

Red Cross Spokesman Matthew Gerke said someone needs a blood transfusion every two seconds in the U.S. and that donated blood only lasts 42 days.

"It's a constant need to replenish blood," he said. "Some types of blood are more rare than others, but all types of blood are very much needed."

For participants, Homecoming is based on more than black and gold decor adorning the campus.

Student groups, mostly Greek organizations, compete for points with skits, floats, service and of course the blood drive, which is worth the most points in the competition after service.

Each person's blood donation can count for a certain amount of points toward an organization of their choosing. The more blood donated for a certain group, the more points that group receives and the more lives are saved.

"I was a little apprehensive at first about giving blood," freshman donor Jim Larsen said. "However, donating blood is such a positive cause and saves so many lives that the good outweighs the bad."

MU also set up satellite blood drives throughout the state that give relatives and parents who don't live in Columbia the chance to donate for the Homecoming drive.

"I would encourage all students to do it," freshman donor Brianna Bushner said. "We're all here for a cause and donating blood is a great cause."

Gerke said the Homecoming drive is great because of active student involvement.

"Lots and lots of hard work is involved," he said. "At this drive in particular, the students help us plan it. We could not do a drive like this without the active participation of the Mizzou students."