It is a race to crown the champion, as Lincoln Land’s Educational Service Areas compete to donate the most blood in this semester’s blood drive.
Of course, the question is now: Who is going to win?
Three of the four ESAs – Beardstown, Taylorville and Litchfield – have already held blood drives. Jacksonville’s blood drive, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7, could play a pivotal role in who will take home the victory.
Keri Mason, assistant director of LLCC-Jacksonville, is optimistic that her campus will win.
“We’ve only been challenged by Litchfield before,” Mason said.
But that is not the case this year, as Taylorville leads the way with 19 total donors. Litchfield had 13 donors, while Beardstown had 10.
The main campus (in Springfield) will reward the winning ESA’s Student Group with $100. All donors, whether their campus wins or loses, will receive a free T-shirt. Professors have encouraged students by offering them extra credit, if they donate blood.
“Blood banks are low right now, and they need every and any donor,” Mason said.
LLCC-Jacksonville students are looking forward to the blood drive.
“I like knowing the fact that I can save lives by donating blood,” one student said.
Even though this student was “deathly afraid” of needles, she has overcome her fears. She said, “Now it’s nothing.”
Donating blood has become a regular event for this student. Her eyebrows were raised as she looked up to tally the total number of times she has donated. She said about 10 times.
“I’m close to donating two gallons,” she said, grinning.
This is the response Donor Relations Consultant Mindy Melton wants to see. Melton organizes all the blood drives that occur in Central Illinois, including at LLCC.
Blood banks supply blood for patients in need of transfusions. Currently, the Central Illinois Community Blood Center provides blood to more than 85 different hospitals in three states.
While held at LLCC’s ESAs, the blood drives are not limited to only students and staff.
If an individual wants to donate, he or she should expect the process to take 45 minutes. Seven to 10 minutes will be spent inside the blood mobile.
Melton emphasized that one should get a good night’s sleep, eat a nutritious meal and stay hydrated before donating. A photo ID is required.
The competition is expected to increase involvement.
“It’s an incentive, and people like to compete,” Melton said.
Most people have a competitive spirit. If they can’t compete in sports or recreational play, this is the perfect opportunity for them.
If any group is interested in hosting a blood drive, call Melton at 217-241-7541,